ˈbyü(ˌ)tān(ˌ)dīˌȯl, -ˌōl noun
( -s )
Etymology: butane + -diol
: any of four isomeric glycols C 4 H 8 (OH) 2 : as
a. : a hygroscopic liquid CH 3 CHOHCH 2 CH 2 OH made usually by hydrogenation of aldol and used chiefly as a humectant and plasticizer — called also 1,3-butanediol, 1,3-butylene glycol
b. : a viscous liquid CH 2 OHCH 2 CH 2 CH 2 OH made from acetylene, formaldehyde, and hydrogen and used chiefly in making polyurethane resins — called also 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-butylene glycol, tetramethylene glycol
c. : a hygroscopic viscous liquid or crystalline solid CH 3 CHOHCHOHCH 3 known in four optically different forms, obtained usually by fermentation (as of grains or molasses), and used chiefly in organic synthesis — called also 2,3-butanediol, 2,3-butylene glycol