2,3-Butanedione CAS 431-03-8

2,3-Butanedione CAS 431-03-8 Information

CAS	431-03-8
Molecular formula	C4H6O2
Molecular weight	86.09
EIENCS	207-069-8
Form	Liquid
Melting point	-4–2 °C
boling point	88 °C(lit.)
Density	0.985 g/mL at 20 °C
Solubility	200 g/L (20 ºC)
PKA	/
Color	Clear yellow
Storage temp	Store at +2°C to +8°C.

What is 2,3-Butanedione CAS 431-03-8?

2,3-Butanediol serves as a core raw material for food flavorings and a chemical intermediate. Its high volatility and strong flavor characteristics are irreplaceable, but strict control of safety risks (flammability, neurotoxicity) is necessary. The industry will focus on green process innovation (such as biocatalysis) and the expansion of high-value applications (pharmaceuticals, environmental materials), and Chinese enterprises, with their production capacity advantages, are expected to lead the upgrading of the global supply chain.

Industrial synthesis methods

Dinitrogen oxide oxidation method:

Dinitrobenzene reacts with dinitrobenzene in hydrochloric acid to form dinitrobenzene oxime, which is then hydrolyzed and distilled, with a yield of 70-80%.

Industrial scale example: 1080 kg butanediol + 1140 kg dinitrobenzene → Control temperature ≤ 40°C → Drop in concentrated sulfuric acid → Fractional distillation to collect the 86-89°C fraction.

Natural extraction:

It is separated from essential oils such as laurel oil and sweet marjoram oil, and forms a crystalline addition product with phosphoric acid, which is then dissolved in water.

Process optimization direction

Problem: The traditional process generates a large amount of waste acid, wastewater, and toxic nitrogen oxides.

Improvement: Develop metal enzymes/oxygen catalytic oxidation technology, aiming to increase yield, reduce three wastes (PMI value reduced to below 20).

2,3-Butanedione CAS 431-03-8 Use

Food Industry (Core Application)  

Butter Flavoring: Adds the typical flavor to butter, cheese, margarine, etc., accounting for over 70% of the demand for food flavorings.

Other Flavor Enhancements: Used in flavoring blends for coffee, chocolate, caramel, rum, nuts, etc. 

Non-food applications 

Gelatin hardener: Enhances the stability of gelatin products.

Photographic binder: Used in the processing of photosensitive materials.

Pyrazine-based flavor synthesis: Produces key raw materials such as 2,3-dimethylpyrazine.

2,3-Butanedione CAS 431-03-8 safety

Health Risks

Acute Toxicity: LD₅₀ for rats by oral administration = 1580 mg/kg, LD₅₀ for mice by oral administration = 250 mg/kg (high toxicity level).

Stinginess:

Skin contact causes moderate erythema (rabbit experiment: 500 mg/24h).

Vapor irritates eyes and respiratory tract, may cause headache and nausea.

Chronic Exposure:

Long-term inhalation is associated with "popcorn lung" (bronchial obstruction syndrome), and may accelerate the aggregation of β-amyloid protein in Alzheimer's disease.

Operating and Storage Specifications

Protective Measures:

Wear a gas mask (EN14387 standard), nitrile rubber gloves, and goggles.

Sealed operation, explosion-proof ventilation (flash point only 7°C).

Leakage Handling:

Absorb with sand, do not use flammable substances for cleaning; in case of fire, use dry powder, CO₂, or non-solvent foam for extinguishing.

Storage:

Store at 2-8°C in a dark place, with inner lining of plastic bags and iron drums sealed, and filled with inert gas.

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