Butanedioic acid, recognized by its molecular formula C4H6O4, stands out as a dicarboxylic acid with distinct industrial and commercial applications. Its structure, made up of four carbon atoms with carboxyl groups on both ends, offers a foundation for many reactions in synthetic chemistry. Products built from this core have shaped manufacturing, dyes, resins, and more. Chemists often spot butanedioic acid in its solid state as colorless crystals, while in certain conditions, it becomes available as flakes, powders, or pearls. This flexibility in form brings value to operations searching for reliable, clean raw materials.
People working with butanedioic acid appreciate its clear, well-studied physical properties. The density clocks in at about 1.56 g/cm³, offering a tangible comparison for those used to handling similar chemicals. Melting occurs near 185°C, a temperature that lets it find its way into processes without unnecessary volatility. Butanedioic acid dissolves well in water and ethanol, but avoids many non-polar solvents, making it selective for certain extractions. In the lab, the solid nature often comes in flakes or crystalline powder, but manufacturers can adjust drying and milling for specific grain sizes or purity levels. As a material, this acid gives technicians and engineers confidence—it ships and stores stably and resists unwanted side reactions under normal storage.
Chemists look at butanedioic acid and see two carboxyl groups sitting on each end of a four-carbon chain. This setup opens doors for polymerization and condensation reactions that drive much of today’s industry. The acids’ structure makes it a favorite for creating polyesters and resins, as it offers predictable reactivity without the quirks of more exotic acids. Its molecular weight stands at about 118.09 g/mol, and the HS Code for this chemical, 29151200, identifies it clearly in logistics and regulatory paperwork. Analytical measurements have nailed down its refractive index and specific heat, while regular testing has shown that, under proper conditions, butanedioic acid keeps its promises in both safety and purity.
Manufacturers and labs alike keep an eye on specifications, whether ordering by the kilogram or by the metric ton. Typical requests cover purity, particle size, packing material, and moisture content. Vendors know professionals expect at least 99% purity for scalable manufacturing, but some fields—like pharmaceuticals or adjuvant synthesis—call for even tighter specs. Bulk deliveries come in lined drums or heavy-duty bags, while those working with liter-scale solutions choose smaller bottles or jars, especially where solution stability or immediate solubility adds utility. Powders, flakes, and pearls offer different surface areas for mixing or dissolving, and for segments needing accurate metering, the variance between beads and powder stands out as a practical factor.
Anyone who spends time in the warehouse, lab, or on the production floor knows the importance of clear hazard labeling and storing chemicals—especially when handling acids like butanedioic acid. Although not considered seriously hazardous under standard use, breathing in the dust or getting large amounts on the skin causes irritation, so protective clothing and proper ventilation matter. If handled properly, with gloves, goggles, and standard industry containers, butanedioic acid rarely poses more than a routine risk. Companies with a strong safety track record keep comprehensive SDS paperwork, provide regular training, and maintain procedures for neutralizing accidental spills. The acid reacts with strong oxidizers and bases, so those supplies stay well away from storage. Even though it's not volatile or severely toxic, no one skips basic precautions—dealing with chemical raw materials always means respect for process, people, and product integrity.
In practice, butanedioic acid serves as a building block for everything from biodegradable plastics to food acidifiers, resins, and pharmaceuticals. Production lines for synthetic leathers, coatings, and high-performance polymers tap into butanedioic acid’s reliability and ease of handling. Since the structure offers two reactivity points, manufacturers count on it for step-growth polymerization, making everything from clothing fibers to specialty plastics possible. It also features in flavorings and preservatives, regulated tightly by authorities for purity and residual solvents. Research labs synthesize derivatives for use in organic electronics, catalysts, and fine chemicals. My own experience working with this acid in pilot-plant environments attests to its value—batch records fill up with discussions of moisture control, purity targets, and shipment checks. Once you’ve stood on a cold receiving dock in winter, making sure that drums are sealed and correctly labeled for in-plant transport, the routine of chemical logistics stops feeling theoretical, and the “raw material” transforms into a central character in modern industry.
Decision-makers ordering butanedioic acid look for certifications, transparent documentation, and responsive customer service, making E-E-A-T principles—experience, expertise, authority, and trustworthiness—real and not just a slogan. Having worked with both large global vendors and smaller niche suppliers, I’ve learned the importance of long-standing relationships for guarantees around product sourcing, traceability, and compliance. Whether the acid comes in solid form, solution, or processed into a particular grade for a unique application, clarity in specifications, shipping standards, and warehouse management separates the average supplier from those invested in partnership. Proper storage means dry areas, away from incompatible substances, using bins or lined steel drums that resist corrosion. Regular audits and spot checks show who takes safety, regulatory paperwork, and ongoing customer support seriously—a must in any supply chain working with chemical material.
Sustainability keeps creeping further into the spotlight in chemical manufacturing. Plants producing butanedioic acid from renewable sources, such as bio-based fermentation, now compete side-by-side with traditional petroleum refiners. The push for lower-carbon footprints and non-toxic end uses leads procurement teams to ask about origin, waste management, and how raw materials fit into someone’s bigger picture of environmental responsibility. I’ve seen shifts toward closing the loop on waste, recycling packaging, and pressing for greener chemistry—even in factories that once cared only about price per kilo or turnaround times. As technology advances, the search for new applications, safer handling processes, and robust supply chains will deepen. Behind every shipment of butanedioic acid, real decisions about people, planet, and profit become both challenge and opportunity, showing how even a straightforward raw material like this finds a place in the ever-shifting landscape of chemistry and industry.
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