Butylene glycols is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C4H10O2. The word "butylene" is spelled as \ˈbyü-tə-ˌlēn\ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "t" in "butylene" is pronounced with emphasis, and the "e" is pronounced with a schwa sound. The word "glycols" is spelled as \ˈglī-ˌkȯlz\ in the IPA. The "gl" is pronounced as /ɡl/, and the "o" is pronounced with a long "i" sound. Together, the pronunciation of "butylene glycols" is \ˈbyü-tə-ˌlēn ˈglī-ˌkȯlz\.
Butylene glycols refer to a group of organic compounds that belong to the class of glycols. Specifically, there are four isomers of butylene glycols: 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, and 2,3-butanediol. These compounds are characterized by a diol structure, which means they possess two hydroxyl (OH) functional groups attached to adjacent carbon atoms in their molecular structure.
Butylene glycols are commonly used in various industries, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products, due to their versatility and beneficial properties. They exhibit both humectant and solvent characteristics, meaning they can attract and retain moisture, as well as dissolve other substances. This makes them ideal for applications such as moisturizers, sunscreens, hair care products, and pharmaceutical formulations.
In addition to their hydrating properties, butylene glycols also act as viscosity regulators, helping to adjust the thickness or flow of formulations. They may be used as stabilizers or emulsifiers to enhance the overall stability and performance of products.
Furthermore, butylene glycols are typically colorless, odorless, and have a low level of toxicity. These properties make them safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. However, it is important to note that they may cause skin irritation or sensitization in some individuals, and appropriate precautions should be taken.
Overall, butylene glycols are widely employed in various industries for their moisturizing, solvent, stabilizing, and emulsifying properties, contributing to the formulation and improvement of numerous consumer products.
The word "Butylene Glycols" is a compound term that consists of two parts: "butylene" and "glycols".
1. "Butylene": The term "butylene" refers to a class of organic compounds known as butenes. The word "butene" originated from the combination of the suffix "-ene", which denotes an unsaturated hydrocarbon, and "butyl", which refers to a four-carbon alkyl group. The name "butene" specifically denotes a four-carbon alkene, which means it has a double bond between two of its carbon atoms.
2. "Glycols": The term "glycols" is derived from the parent compound "glycol", which is a type of organic compound characterized by two hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to different carbon atoms.