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Gamma-Butyrolactone CAS 96-48-0: Properties, Uses and USA Information Gamma-butyrolactone CAS 96-48
Gamma-butyrolactone CAS 96-48-0 is an important industrial organic chemical used in a variety of chemical manufacturing and commercial applications. Also known as GBL, gamma-butyrolactone is a cyclic ester (lactone) with the molecular formula C₄H₆O₂ and a molecular weight of approximately 86.09 g/mol.
In the United States, gamma-butyrolactone has applications in areas such as chemical manufacturing, coatings, adhesives, printing-related products and other industrial formulations. However, its regulatory status is particularly important for businesses handling, manufacturing, importing or distributing this chemical.
What Is Gamma-Butyrolactone?
Gamma-butyrolactone is a colorless, oily liquid belonging to the lactone family of organic compounds. Its CAS Registry Number is 96-48-0, which provides a unique identification number for the substance.
Other names associated with gamma-butyrolactone include:
- Gamma-butyrolactone
- GBL
- 4-Butyrolactone
- Butyrolactone
- Dihydro-2(3H)-furanone
- Oxolan-2-one
PubChem lists gamma-butyrolactone under CID 7302 and identifies its IUPAC name as oxolan-2-one.
Gamma-Butyrolactone CAS 96-48-0 Chemical Properties
Understanding the basic chemical properties of gamma-butyrolactone is important for laboratories, manufacturers and industrial users.
| Property | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Gamma-butyrolactone |
| CAS Number | 96-48-0 |
| Molecular formula | C₄H₆O₂ |
| Molecular weight | 86.09 g/mol |
| IUPAC name | Oxolan-2-one |
| Common abbreviation | GBL |
| Chemical class | Lactone |
| Physical appearance | Clear/colorless oily liquid |
These identifiers can help distinguish gamma-butyrolactone from similarly named solvents and other chemical substances.
Industrial Uses of Gamma-Butyrolactone
Gamma-butyrolactone has been used in several industrial and manufacturing applications. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies uses involving chemical manufacturing and describes it as a chemical intermediate. EPA documentation also identifies applications involving paint removers, textile aids, drilling oils, hairwave compositions, sunscreens, pharmaceuticals and printing inks.
1. Chemical Manufacturing
One important application of gamma-butyrolactone is its use as a chemical intermediate. It can participate in chemical manufacturing processes where its particular structure and solvent properties are useful.
2. Industrial Solvent Applications
Gamma-butyrolactone has solvent properties that have made it useful in certain industrial formulations. EPA’s chemical data resources identify products and formulations associated with areas including adhesives, adhesive removers, coatings, paint and stain products and other home-maintenance applications.
3. Paint and Coating Products
GBL has historically been associated with paint and coating formulations. EPA records identify paint removers and related products among applications associated with the substance.
4. Adhesives and Adhesive Removers
Gamma-butyrolactone may also occur in industrial products involving adhesives and adhesive removal. EPA’s ChemExpo database lists adhesive and adhesive-remover product categories associated with gamma-butyrolactone.
5. Printing and Manufacturing Applications
EPA documentation also identifies printing ink and several manufacturing sectors among historical or reported areas of use.
Gamma-Butyrolactone in the USA
Businesses interested in gamma-butyrolactone CAS 96-48-0 in the USA should understand that the chemical is subject to specific federal regulatory requirements.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies gamma-butyrolactone under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) chemical information system. PubChem also reports EPA information showing commercial activity associated with the substance.
Importantly, gamma-butyrolactone is also identified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as a List I chemical, with DEA chemical code 2011. This means businesses involved with regulated activities need to understand and comply with applicable federal requirements.
Therefore, companies should verify current federal, state and local requirements before manufacturing, importing, processing, selling or otherwise handling gamma-butyrolactone in the United States.
Is Gamma-Butyrolactone Safe?
Gamma-butyrolactone should be treated as an industrial chemical requiring appropriate safety controls.
EPA’s screening-level hazard characterization identified irritation and eye hazards and reported toxicological findings from animal studies.
Safe handling should therefore involve appropriate workplace controls, including:
- Following the product’s current Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Using appropriate personal protective equipment
- Avoiding unnecessary skin and eye contact
- Maintaining suitable ventilation
- Following workplace chemical-handling procedures
- Storing the substance according to the applicable SDS and regulations
- Keeping chemicals away from unauthorized access
- Following applicable federal, state and local requirements
The appropriate controls can vary according to concentration, formulation, quantity, workplace conditions and intended use.
Gamma-Butyrolactone and Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory compliance is particularly important when dealing with GBL in the United States.
EPA maintains information on chemicals regulated under TSCA, including requirements concerning chemical manufacture, processing, distribution and related activities.
Because gamma-butyrolactone has additional regulatory considerations beyond ordinary industrial solvents, businesses should not assume that general chemical-handling rules are sufficient.
Companies should check the latest requirements from relevant U.S. authorities before conducting regulated activities involving CAS 96-48-0.
Why CAS Number 96-48-0 Matters
The CAS number 96-48-0 is an important identifier for gamma-butyrolactone.
Chemical suppliers, laboratories, manufacturers and regulatory databases use CAS numbers to distinguish specific substances from other chemicals with similar names.
When researching gamma-butyrolactone, using both the chemical name and CAS number can reduce confusion:
Gamma-butyrolactone = CAS 96-48-0
This identifier is recognized across major chemical information systems, including PubChem and EPA chemical databases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gamma-Butyrolactone CAS 96-48-0
What is gamma-butyrolactone CAS 96-48-0?
Gamma-butyrolactone, commonly abbreviated as GBL, is a cyclic ester with the molecular formula C₄H₆O₂ and CAS Registry Number 96-48-0.
What is the molecular weight of gamma-butyrolactone?
The molecular weight of gamma-butyrolactone is approximately 86.09 g/mol.
What is gamma-butyrolactone used for?
Gamma-butyrolactone has industrial applications involving chemical manufacturing, solvents, coatings, adhesives, paint-related products and printing formulations, among others.
Is gamma-butyrolactone regulated in the USA?
Yes. Gamma-butyrolactone has important U.S. regulatory considerations. EPA identifies it within its chemical regulatory databases, while PubChem reports its designation as a DEA List I chemical. Businesses should verify current requirements before conducting regulated activities involving the substance.
Where can I find reliable information about CAS 96-48-0?
Reliable sources include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Library of Medicine’s PubChem database. These sources provide information about chemical identity, properties, uses, hazards and regulatory information.
Conclusion
Gamma-butyrolactone CAS 96-48-0 is a versatile industrial chemical with applications across chemical manufacturing, solvents, coatings, adhesives and other commercial formulations. Its chemical identity is well documented, with the formula C₄H₆O₂ and molecular weight of 86.09 g/mol.
For businesses in the United States, however, understanding the regulatory framework is just as important as understanding the chemical’s industrial properties. Gamma-butyrolactone is subject to significant regulatory considerations, including its identification as a DEA List I chemical, so companies should verify current federal, state and local requirements before handling or conducting regulated commercial activities involving CAS 96-48-0.
For accurate technical and regulatory information, consult Home Of Chemicals, the applicable Safety Data Sheet and other authoritative U.S. regulatory sources.
