1,2-Butylene glycol/1,2-Butanediol12BG/1,2-Butylene glycol/1,2-Butanediol

12BG (1,2-butanediol) is a branched glycol with four carbons that has a primary hydroxyl group and a secondary hydroxyl group.

Common Names	1,2-Butanediol 1,2-Butylene Glycol 1,2-Dihydroxybutane
Structure
Functional groups / Classification as compound	Hydroxy group (alcoholic hydroxyl group)
CAS　No.	584-03-2
Japan, Chemical Substances Control Law METI-No.	2-235
Japan, Poisonous and Deleterious Substances Control Act	Not applicable
Japan, Fire Service Act	Hazardous Materials, Category IV—Class III petroleums water soluble liquids Hazardous Rank III
Molecular Weight	90.1
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor	Acetic acid smell
Specific Gravity (25/4℃)	1.002
Viscosity(mPa･s)	38（at 20℃）
Boiling Point (℃)	193
Freezing Point (℃)	-42
Flash Point (℃)	110 (Cleveland open cup)
Autoignition Temperature (℃)	394
Vapor pressure (kPa)	0.0027（at 20℃）
Heat of Vaporization (kJ/mol)	61.3 (at boiling point)
Heat capacity (kJ/kg･K)	2.404（at 20℃）
Thermal conductivity (W/m･K)	0.2105（at 20℃）

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation started producing both 1,2-butanediol and 1,4-butanediol from butadiene using proprietary technology at its Yokkaichi Plant in 1982.

12BG exhibits excellent characteristics as a solvent for inks and as a raw material for polyester plasticizers (for PVC resins), polyester polyols (soft segment of urethane resins), and unsaturated polyester resins. These versatile products have a very wide range of applications, from general consumer goods, including everyday goods, to durable goods like electronics and automobiles, and even to industrial materials used in machine parts. Their applications are expected to further expand in the future.

• Solvent for inks
  Using 12BG as a solvent for inks will greatly enhance the wettability of inks by suppressing the contact angle. Since these inks will also exhibit constant wettability for a variety of substrates, they can be widely utilized as ink solvents for inkjet printers.
• Plasticizer for PVC resins
  Nonmigratory plasticizers can be made by reacting 12BG with an aliphatic dibasic acid such as adipic acid to form a low-molecular-weight polyester, then esterizing the terminal carboxyl group with an aliphatic alcohol such as hexanol.
• Polyester polyol for polyurethane resins
  Polyols for urethane resins can be made by reacting 12BG with an aliphatic dibasic acid such as adipic acid or with an aromatic dibasic acid such as phthalic acid to form a low-molecular-weight polyester polyol with a terminal hydroxyl group. Urethane resins made using such polyols exhibit superior physical properties.
• Unsaturated polyester resins
  Unsaturated polyester resins can be made by reacting 12BG with an unsaturated aliphatic dibasic acid such as maleic acid or its anhydride and with an aromatic dibasic acid such as phthalic acid to form a polyester resin, then dissolving the resin in a polymerizable monomer such as styrene monomer. The ethyl group in 12BG will enhance the solubility into polymerizable monomers, thereby providing ease in handling and allowing the production of resins with excellent water resistance.
• Raw material for other polyester resins
  12BG can be used as a raw material for resins of adhesives.
• Other Applications
  12BG can be used as various solvents, coolants, hydraulic oils, surfactants, and fine chemical raw materials.

12BG is hygroscopic and susceptible to oxidation. Always use nitrogen dry gas seals to seal storage containers. Store at temperatures not exceeding 40℃.
12BG is a designated hazardous material under the Fire Service Act of Japan and is classified as Category IV—Class III petroleums (water soluble liquids), which corresponds to a Hazardous Rank III substance.

12BG has low volatility and will not self-ignite at room temperature. In the event of fire, effective fire extinguishing agents are powder agents, (alcohol resistant) foam agents, and/or large amounts of water sprayed as mist. 12BG has extremely low toxicity and is a highly safe chemical. When handling, however, wear personal protective equipment such as goggles and protective gloves.

For more information, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) issued by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.