Chemical Sampling Information
	gamma-Butyrolactone
Quick Links General Description Health Factors Monitoring Search    [use word(s)/phrase] Table of Contents By Name A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z By CAS Number General Description Synonyms: gamma-6480; gamma-BL; 1,2-Butanolide; 1,4-Butanolide; 4-Butanolide; Butyric Acid Lactone; Butyrolactone; 4-Butyrolactone; Dihydro-2(3H)-Furanone; GBL; Hydroxybutanoic Acid Lactone; 4-Hydroxybutyric Acid Lactone; NCI-C55878; Tetrahydro-2-Furanone OSHA IMIS Code Number: B715 Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number: 96-48-0 NIOSH, Registry of Toxic Effects (RTECS) Identification Number: LU3500000 Chemical Description and Physical Properties: colorless oily hygroscopic liquid molecular formula: C4H6O2 molecular weight: 86.1 boiling point: 204°C flash point: 98°C open cup melting point: -44°C vapor pressure: 0.2 kPa at 20°C Health Factors International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) carcinogenic classification: Group 3, not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans [381 KB, PDF] Potential symptoms: Eye irritation; INGES. ACUTE: Nausea, vomiting; bradycardia; hypothermia; drowsiness, CNS depression, labored breathing, unconsciousness. Health Effects: Irritation-Eye, Nose, Throat, Skin—Moderate (HE15) Narcosis (HE8); Mutagen (HE2) Affected organs: Eyes, CNS Notes: OSHA does not have a PEL for gamma-butyrolactone (GBL). GBL is considered to be generally recognized as safe when used as a flavoring agent (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association number 3291; Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives number 0219) and is described has having a milky, creamy taste with a fruity peach-like nuance. It has been found in beer, wine, cooked meat, coffee, tomatoes, and in tobacco smoke. Due to significant abuse liability, GBL is on DEA’s List 1 of chemicals covered by the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act [21 CFR 1310.02(a)(24)]. In rats, GBL is rapidly metabolized (t½ < 1 minute) after intravenous injection to gamma-hydroxybutyrate, a CNS depressant drug (DEA Schedule III when used in the anticataplexy drug, Xyrem, with schedule I penalties if used as a “date-rape” drug). Symptoms of withdrawal in physically-dependent abusers of gamma-butyrolactone include delirium, agitated psychosis, and autonomic instability. Insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and hallucinations (visual, auditory or tactile) may also occur. Date Last Revised: 05/10/2004 Literature Basis: International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO): gamma-Butyrolactone. Cartigny, B., et al.: 1H NMR spectroscopic investigation of serum and urine in a case of acute tetrahydrofuran poisoning. J. Anal. Toxicol. 25(4): 270-274, 2001. Liechti, M.E., Kunz, I., Greminger, P., Speich, R. and Kupferschmidt. H.: Clinical features of gamma-hydroxybutyrate and gamma-butyrolactone toxicity and concomitant drug and alcohol use. Drug Alcohol Depend. 81(3): 323-326, 2006. McDaniel, C.H. and Miotto, K.A.: Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) and gamma butyrolactone (GBL) withdrawal: five case studies. J. Psychoactive Drugs 33(2): 143-149, 2001. No authors listed: gamma-Butyrolactone. IARC Monogr. Eval. Carcinog. Risks Hum. 71(Pt. 2): 367-382, 1999. [381 KB, PDF] Palmer, R.B.: γ-Butyrolactone and 1,4-butanediol. Abused analogues of γ-hydroxybutyrate. Toxicol. Rev. 23(1): 21-31, 2004. Monitoring Methods used by OSHA Laboratory Sampling/Analytical Method: sampling media: Charcoal Tube (100/50 mg sections, 20/40 mesh) analytical solvent: (95:5) Methylene Chloride:Methanol maximum volume: 10 Liters   maximum flow rate: 1.0 L/min current analytical method: Gas Chromatography; GC/FID method reference: OSHA SLTC In-House File method classification: Not Validated note: Samples were received requesting cellosolves and butyrolactone. Phase equilibrium studies looked reasonable and gama-butyrolactone was found and confirmed on the "A" portion of a sample. All Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Accessibility Assistance: Contact the OSHA Directorate of Science, Technology and Medicine at 202-693-2300 for assistance accessing PDF materials.