Atomic Efficient Synthesis of 1,2,4-Butanetriol: Catalysts, Conversion Routes and Reaction Mechanism
- 1State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Qingdao 266580, China
Abstract
1,2,4-Butanetriol (1,2,4-BTO) is a multifunctional C4 polyol used in the manufacture of energetic nitrate esters as well as the building block for fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and polymeric materials. However, selective and economically viable production of 1,2,4-BTO remains challenging, because existing routes differ markedly in feedstock cost, reaction efficiency, product specification, and downstream separation requirements. This review critically discussed the conventional chemical, hydrogenolysis, biological, and chemoenzymatic routes with emphasis on reaction selectivity, process efficiency, product quality, and separation burden. Most recent advances in catalyst design and reaction mechanism were further discussed in detail providing insights into opportunities and challenges in process development and optimization.
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BibTeX
@article{gu2026atomic,
title = {{Atomic Efficient Synthesis of 1,2,4-Butanetriol: Catalysts, Conversion Routes and Reaction Mechanism}},
author = {Chunjie Gu and Teng Liu and Wenjuan Yan and Xin Jin},
journal = {Catalysts},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.3390/catal16100880},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/16/10/880},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Atomic Efficient Synthesis of 1,2,4-Butanetriol: Catalysts, Conversion Routes and Reaction Mechanism
AU - Chunjie Gu
AU - Teng Liu
AU - Wenjuan Yan
AU - Xin Jin
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/30
JO - Catalysts
DO - 10.3390/catal16100880
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4344/16/10/880
AB - 1,2,4-Butanetriol (1,2,4-BTO) is a multifunctional C4 polyol used in the manufacture of energetic nitrate esters as well as the building block for fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and polymeric materials. However, selective and economically viable production of 1,2,4-BTO remains challenging, because existing routes differ markedly in feedstock cost, reaction efficiency, product specification, and downstream separation requirements. This review critically discussed the conventional chemical, hydrogenolysis, biological, and chemoenzymatic routes with emphasis on reaction selectivity, process efficiency, product quality, and separation burden. Most recent advances in catalyst design and reaction mechanism were further discussed in detail providing insights into opportunities and challenges in process development and optimization.
SN - 2073-4344
ER -