1,4-Butane Sultone (CAS 1633-83-6), often abbreviated as 1,4-BS, stands as a highly significant and versatile chemical intermediate in various industrial sectors. This colorless, clear, and odorless liquid plays a crucial role due to its unique chemical properties and reactive nature. As a six-membered δ-sultone, 1,4-BS is the cyclic ester of 4-hydroxybutanesulfonic acid, embodying a vital building block for advanced chemical syntheses.

Typically boasting a purity of 99% or higher, 1,4-Butane Sultone ensures its efficacy and reliability in demanding applications. Its chemical formula is C4H8O3S, with a molecular weight of 136.17 g/mol. Key physical characteristics include a boiling point of 153°C (at 19.0 hPa) and a melting point ranging from 12.5°C to 15.0°C. While 1,4-BS is soluble in many organic solvents and demonstrates moderate solubility in water (54g/L at 20°C, though it can decompose), its stability is best maintained when stored in a sealed container at low temperatures to prevent moisture absorption and ensure product integrity.

One of 1,4-BS's primary uses lies in its function as a sulfo-alkylating agent. It is adept at introducing the sulfobutyl group (–(CH2)4–SO3−) into hydrophobic compounds possessing nucleophilic functional groups, such as hydroxyl or amino groups. This process significantly enhances the water solubility of the resulting derivatives, forming neutral sodium salts. This characteristic is particularly valuable in the synthesis of various sulfobetaines, which are zwitterionic and highly water-soluble. Sulfobetaines with longer alkyl chains exhibit interesting properties as surface-active compounds (surfactants), some even possessing antimicrobial attributes, making them valuable in detergents and specialized chemical formulations.

Furthermore, 1,4-Butane Sultone is instrumental in the development of ionic liquids. For instance, it can react with triethylamine to form 4-triethylammonium butane-1-sulfonic acid hydrogensulfate (TEBSA HSO4), a highly efficient and recyclable Brønsted acidic ionic liquid. This compound serves as a powerful acid catalyst in solvent-free reactions, representing a greener and more efficient alternative in chemical processes. The ring-opening reaction of 1,4-BS with organic chloride salts also yields other types of ionic liquids, such as 4-chlorobutylsulfonates, which can undergo further substitution reactions, expanding their utility in various applications.

Perhaps one of its most impactful applications is in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the creation of sulfobutyl ether-beta-cyclodextrin (SBECD). By derivatizing β-cyclodextrin with 1,4-BS, its water solubility dramatically increases—from approximately 18.5 g/L to over 900 g/L at 25°C—transforming it into a superior inclusion compound. SBECD is widely employed for the solubilization and stabilization of poorly water-soluble and chemically unstable drug components. It acts as an inert vehicle, significantly enhancing drug transport and release mechanisms, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes and drug bioavailability.

Beyond these major areas, 1,4-Butane Sultone is also a vital precursor in the synthesis of diverse materials, including lithium battery electrolyte additives, specialized sensitizing materials, and intermediates for electroplating. It contributes to the formulation of N-(sulfobutyl)aminomethane diphosphonic acids, recognized for their high water solubility and strong capabilities as complexing agents and water softeners. Its utility also extends to the sulfobutylation of cyanine dyes, producing water-soluble compounds that act as pH-sensitive fluorescence markers, crucial for biological and diagnostic applications.

The broad spectrum of applications underscores the indispensable nature of 1,4-Butane Sultone in modern chemistry and industry. Its role in enhancing solubility, enabling advanced material synthesis, and facilitating efficient drug delivery positions it as a cornerstone chemical.

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