γ-Hydroxybutyraldehyde is the organic compound with the formula HOCH2CH2CH2CHO.

The compound occurs in nature and is produced commercially.

[1] It is a chemical intermediate in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) from 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD).

[2] Like 1,4-BD, it also behaves as a prodrug to GHB when taken exogenously.

However, as with all aliphatic aldehydes, γ-hydroxybutaldehyde is caustic and is strong-smelling and foul-tasting; thus, actual ingestion of this compound is likely to be unpleasant and result in severe nausea and vomiting.