BDO is an important raw material for basic organic chemicals and fine chemicals. The principal products are Tetrahydrofuran (THF) and Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), which in turn both have solvents applications and further high-value derivatives. BDO is used as a cross-linking agent for thermoplastic urethanes, polyester plasticizers, paints and coatings, copolyester hot melt and solvent-borne adhesives

1. Bio-Butanediol – from
renewable sources
Article written and published
By
www.worldofchemicals.com

2. Abstract
 The global 1,4-butanediol (BDO) industry is one of the
burgeoning industries. Biological path ways of production
of BDO is giving greater hope to the present world
chemical industries. At the same time it is a challenging
proposition for the business growth of established
companies.
 Now a days many companies are showing major interest
towards bio-based products. During the period of 2010-
2011 BDO saw a demand of 1.4 million metric tonne and it
is expected that its application areas will increase at an
annual average rate of 4.8 percent until 2015.
 The following write up will provide an overview of new
project plans for BDO by companies and its applications.

3. Introduction
 BDO is an important raw material for basic organic
chemicals and fine chemicals. One of the major factors for
showing interest in bio-BDO by companies is to reduce the
use of petroleum-base feedstocks in light of global oil
prices.
 The principal products areTetrahydrofuran
(THF) and Gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), which in turn both
have solvents applications and further high-value
derivatives.
 THF is used to produce spandex fibers and other
performance polymers, resins, solvents and printing inks
for plastics. Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) is an
engineering-grade thermoplastic that combines excellent
mechanical and electrical properties with robust chemical
resistance.

4. Bio-Butanediol Production Desgin

5. Bio-Butanediol Production Process
 There are three phases in the development of BDO and its
derivative technology, which was based on acetylene by Dr
Reppe of I G Farben in the 1930s.
 The second phase was BDO production through butadiene
acetoxylation process and by esterification of maleic
anhydride with ethanol, followed by hydrogenation of the
ethyl ester of diethyl succinate, then GBL, BDO with a THF
as a co-product.
 The third phase consisted of SISAS maleic anhydride based
integrated BDO/THF/GBL technology. Following figure 2
shows the companies currently developing BDO process
using biotransformation technologies.
 Fig. 2) Developers of Bio-BDO
 Many of these developments are mainly based on the
production of succinic acid from biofeedstocks.

6. Bio-Butanediol Production Process
Cont …
 The demand on the global butanediol market has shown completely positive
levels during the past decade.
 The following scenarios/ companies strategies will show the increased focus on
bio-based BDO production.
 Novamont and Genomatica to Create Joint Venture for First Industrial Plant for
BDO from Renewable Feedstocks.
 BioAmber has licensed DuPont's hydrogenation catalyst technology to make
bio-based 1,4 BDO and THF from bio-succinic acid.
 Metabolix announced that it will form a joint development deal for its
polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)-based C4 chemicals with Korea-based industrial
biotechnology company CJ CheilJedang.
 Merchant Research & Consulting Ltd had initiated new projects on Bio-
Butanediol manufacturing processes.

7. Applications
 BDO is used as a cross-linking agent for thermoplastic
urethanes, polyester plasticizers, paints and
coatings, copolyester hot melt and solvent-borne
adhesives.
 It is a versatile chemical intermediate because of its
terminal, primary hydroxyl groups and its hydrophobic and
chemical resistant nature.
 In polyurethane applications, 1,4-BDO is primarily used as
a component of polyesters or as a chain extender.
 It is used as a chain extender for thermoplastic urethane
elastomers.
 BDO based polyester plasticizers impart superior
compatibility with vinyl polymers while providing non-
migrating characteristics.

8. Conclusion
 Biological ways to produce BDO is providing an opportunity
for new participants in the chemical industry. Furthermore,
government agencies such as the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging utilization of
renewable feedstocks and incorporating principles of green
chemistry towards production of chemicals, which is further
boosting the segment.
 Implementing principles of green chemistry also indicates
increased awareness of environment safety and protection.
Considering the technology growth, it is a transformation
from regular pathways of production processes towards
economically improved, cost effective processes.
 Looking ahead, the production of bio-BDO and other bio
renewable based products will bring about remarkable
changes in the chemical industries and its related sectors.

9. References
 Reference
 [1] © From Nexant, Inc, Website Chemsystems prospectus June 2011, IS BIO-BUTANEDIOL HERE TO
STAY? , Available from - http://www.chemsystems.com/reports/search/docs/prospectus/STMC11_Bio-
Butanediol_Pros.pdf
 [2] © From LyondellBasell, Website - http://www.lyondellbasell.com/Products/ByCategory/basic-
chemicals/PerformanceChemicalsAndSolvents/1-4-Butanediol/
 Reference
 [1] © From Nexant, Inc, Website Chemsystems prospectus June 2011, IS BIO-BUTANEDIOL HERE TO
STAY? , Available from - http://www.chemsystems.com/reports/search/docs/prospectus/STMC11_Bio-
Butanediol_Pros.pdf
 [2] © From LyondellBasell, Website - http://www.lyondellbasell.com/Products/ByCategory/basic-
chemicals/PerformanceChemicalsAndSolvents/1-4-Butanediol/
 Image reference
 Fig. 1): Nexant, Inc, Website, BDO products & derivatives, Chemsystems prospectus June 2011, IS BIO-
BUTANEDIOL HERE TO STAY?, Available from -
http://www.chemsystems.com/reports/search/docs/prospectus/STMC11_Bio-Butanediol_Pros.pdf
 Fig. 2): Nexant, Inc, Website, Developers of Bio-BDO, Chemsystems prospectus June 2011, IS BIO-
BUTANEDIOL HERE TO STAY?, Available from -
http://www.chemsystems.com/reports/search/docs/prospectus/STMC11_Bio-Butanediol_Pros.pdf
 Image reference
 Fig. 1): Nexant, Inc, Website, BDO products & derivatives, Chemsystems prospectus June 2011, IS BIO-
BUTANEDIOL HERE TO STAY?, Available from -
http://www.chemsystems.com/reports/search/docs/prospectus/STMC11_Bio-Butanediol_Pros.pdf
 Fig. 2): Nexant, Inc, Website, Developers of Bio-BDO, Chemsystems prospectus June 2011, IS BIO-
BUTANEDIOL HERE TO STAY?, Available from -
http://www.chemsystems.com/reports/search/docs/prospectus/STMC11_Bio-Butanediol_Pros.pdf