What is Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL)?

Gamma-Butyrolactone (GBL) is a colorless, hygroscopic liquid with a faint odor. It belongs to the family of lactones and serves as both a solvent and a chemical intermediate. GBL is miscible with water and many organic solvents, making it a highly versatile compound in industry. Chemically, GBL is closely tied to 1,4-Butanediol (BDO) and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Once ingested, the body rapidly converts GBL into GHB, which has sedative effects and is classified as a controlled substance in many jurisdictions. Industrial & Commercial Uses of GBL 1. Solvent Applications Electronics & battery industry: Used in lithium-ion battery electrolytes. Cleaning solutions: Effective in removing paints, coatings, and adhesives. Ink and graffiti removers: Strong solvency makes it useful for stripping inks and glues. 2. Chemical Intermediate Precursor to BDO: Plays a critical role in the C4 chemical chain, where it is converted into 1,4-Butanediol (BDO) for use in plastics, spandex fibers, and polyurethanes. Pharmaceuticals: Serves as a starting material in drug and agrochemical synthesis.