1,2,4-Butanetriol

1,2,4-Butanetriol is used in the manufacture of butanetriol trinitrate (BTTN), an important component of US military rocket motor solid fuel.

[1] 1,2,4-Butanetriol is also used as a precursor for two cholesterol-lowering drugs, Crestor and Zetia, which are derived from D-3,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid, by using 3-hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactone as a chiral synthon[2][3] It is used as one of the monomers for manufacture of some polyesters and as a solvent.

1,2,4-Butanetriol can be prepared synthetically by several methods, such as hydroformylation of glycidol and subsequent reduction of the product.

[5] Genetically engineered bacteria produce these triols in enantiopure form.

Pseudomonas fragi converts D-xylose to D-xylonic acid, which is decarboxylated by a strain of Escherichia coli to D-triol.

1,2,4,-Butanetriol molecule
C=black, H=white, O=red
NFPA 704 four-colored diamond Health 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroform Flammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oil Instability 0: Normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and is not reactive with water. E.g. liquid nitrogen Special hazards (white): no code