G

Gamma-butyrolactone

IUPAC: oxolan-2-one

C4H6O2 Organic Compounds CAS 96-48-0
AllChemicals — The Online Chemical Glossary | https://allchemicals.info/chemical/gamma-butyrolactone
Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H6O2
CAS Number96-48-0
Molecular Weight86.09
Melting Point-49 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point399 to 401 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.1286 at 59 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 55 °F (NTP, 1992)
Appearance4-butyrolactone is a clear colorless oily liquid with a pleasant odor. (NTP, 1992)
Also Known Asoxolan-2-one; BUTYROLACTONE; 96-48-0; dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one; 4-Butyrolactone; 4-Butanolide; 1,4-Butanolide; 4-Hydroxybutyric acid lactone; 2-Oxolanone; Dihydro-2(3H)-furanone
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Gamma-butyrolactone?

Gamma-butyrolactone is a butan-4-olide that is tetrahydrofuran substituted by an oxo group at position 2. It has a role as a metabolite and a neurotoxin.

Formula & Notation

C4H6O2

IUPAC Name: oxolan-2-one

Other Names / Synonyms: oxolan-2-one; BUTYROLACTONE; 96-48-0; dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one; 4-Butyrolactone; 4-Butanolide; 1,4-Butanolide; 4-Hydroxybutyric acid lactone; 2-Oxolanone; Dihydro-2(3H)-furanone

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: 4-butyrolactone is a clear colorless oily liquid with a pleasant odor. (NTP, 1992). Molecular formula: C4H6O2. Molecular weight: 86.09 g/mol. Boiling point: 399 to 401 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: -49 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.1286 at 59 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 55 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: less than 1 mmHg at 77 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: -0.6.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point-49 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point399 to 401 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.1286 at 59 °F (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight86.09
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 55 °F (NTP, 1992)
Appearance4-butyrolactone is a clear colorless oily liquid with a pleasant odor. (NTP, 1992)

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Gamma-butyrolactone
Formula C4H6O2
CAS Number 96-48-0
Molecular Weight 86.09
Category Organic Compounds
Index All "G" terms
Synonyms oxolan-2-one; BUTYROLACTONE; 96-48-0; dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one; 4-Butyrolactone; 4-Butanolide; 1,4-Butanolide; 4-Hydroxybutyric acid lactone; 2-Oxolanone; Dihydro-2(3H)-furanone

Frequently Asked Questions

Gamma-butyrolactone is a butan-4-olide that is tetrahydrofuran substituted by an oxo group at position 2. It has a role as a metabolite and a neurotoxin.

More "G" Terms

Gadolinium Gd Gallium Ga Galvanic Cell Zn(s)|ZnSO₄(aq)||CuSO₄(aq)|Cu(s); E°_cell = +1.10 V Galvanizing Zn(s) coated on Fe; Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻ (sacrificial anode) Gamma Radiation γ radiation; λ < 0.01 nm Gamma Ray gamma-Aminobutyric acid C4H9NO2 Gangue Gas PV = nRT; 22.414 L/mol (STP) Gay-Lussac's Law P/T = k (constant V, n); P₁/T₁ = P₂/T₂ Geiger Counter Gel
View all "G" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.

AllChemicals.info — The Online Chemical Glossary | https://allchemicals.info/chemical/gamma-butyrolactone

For educational purposes only. Verify all information before use.