BETA-BUTYROLACTONE

Synonym(s):β-Methyl-β-propiolactone;3-Hydroxybutyric acid β-lactone;4-Methyl-2-oxetanone;beta-Butyrolactone

CAS NO.：3068-88-0
Empirical Formula: C4H6O2
Molecular Weight: 86.09
MDL number: MFCD00005170
EINECS: 221-330-3
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-05-27 17:22:45

What is BETA-BUTYROLACTONE?

Chemical properties

colourless liquid

The Uses of BETA-BUTYROLACTONE

β-Butyrolactone was used in the preparation of (3- O -[oligo-(3-hydroxybutyrate ester)] fluorescein, fluorescein derivative of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) via anionic polymerization.

The Uses of BETA-BUTYROLACTONE

β-Butyrolactone was used in the preparation of (3-O-[oligo-(3-hydroxybutyrate ester)] fluorescein, fluorescein derivative of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) via anionic polymerization.

What are the applications of Application

β-Butyrolactone is A versatile building block for organic synthesis.

Definition

ChEBI: Beta-Butyrolactone is a beta-lactone.

General Description

Clear colorless liquid with an acetone-like odor.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Water soluble

Reactivity Profile

BETA-BUTYROLACTONE is incompatible with strong oxidizers and strong bases. BETA-BUTYROLACTONE is hydrolyzed by water and aqueous alkali.

Hazard

Possible carcinogen, neoplastigen; tumori- genmutagen, irritant, slightly toxic.

Fire Hazard

BETA-BUTYROLACTONE is combustible.

Safety Profile

Suspected carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic, neoplastigenic, and tumorigenic data. Mildly toxic by ingestion. A moderate skin irritant. Mutation data reported. When heated to

Properties of BETA-BUTYROLACTONE

Melting point:	−43.5 °C(lit.)
Boiling point:	71-73 °C29 mm Hg(lit.)
Density	1.056 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.)
refractive index	n20/D 1.411(lit.)
Flash point:	140 °F
form	neat
color	Colorless to Almost colorless
Water Solubility	132.7g/L(18 ºC)
Stability:	Stable. Incompatible with strong bases, strong oxidizing agents. Flammable.
CAS DataBase Reference	3068-88-0(CAS DataBase Reference)
IARC	2B (Vol. 11, Sup 7, 71) 1999
EPA Substance Registry System	.beta.-Butyrolactone (3068-88-0)

Safety information for BETA-BUTYROLACTONE

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Flame Flammables GHS02 Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07 Health Hazard GHS08
GHS Hazard Statements	H226:Flammable liquids H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H351:Carcinogenicity
Precautionary Statement Codes	P201:Obtain special instructions before use. P210:Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. — No smoking. P302+P352:IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of soap and water. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing. P308+P313:IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.