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Gamma-butyrolactone, or GBL, is a powerful chemical used in various industries, including the medical industry.
But how can you buy gamma-butyrolactone online? And what do you need to know about it before you purchase it?
GBL can have some serious safety concerns. That's why it's essential to be well-versed in its structure, dosage, and use before purchasing. Luckily, we've assembled all the necessary information about GBL in this useful guide.
So, if you're looking to learn more about GBL, you've come to the right place.
What is Gamma-Butyrolactone?
Gamma-butyrolactone is a chemical used for both medical and industrial purposes. It is a clear, oily liquid with a pleasant, faintly sweet odor. Do not confuse GBL with gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
Though GBL does have some medical uses, its acutely toxic properties make it safer and more effective as a solvent. Due to its corrosive nature, you should always take great care when handling GBL.
For industrial use, the production of GBL begins with the dehydrogenation of 1,4 Butanediol, a form of primary alcohol often found in paint thinners. Dehydrogenation happens at a temperature of 180-300 degrees Celsius. Atmospheric pressure and a copper catalyst are also essential for this process.
Other names for Gamma-butyrolactone besides GBL include:
Dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one
Butyrolactone
1,4-Lactone
4-Butyrolactone
4-Hydroxybutyric acid lactone
gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid lactone
Basic Chemical Properties of Gamma-Butyrolactone
Gamma-butyrolactone is the simplest 4-carbon lactone.
Generally, butyrolactone is a precursor to the production of other chemicals, such as methyl-2-pyrrolidone. However, it is also an effective polymer and solvent. In humans, it acts as a prodrug for gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB).
Some basic facts about gamma-butyrolactone include:
Chemical formula: C4H6O2
Molecular weight: 86.09 g/mol
Boiling Point: 204 C
Freezing Point: -44 C
When mixed with GHB, GBL is occasionally used as a medicinal substance. However, the risks are high when using these drugs, and their use is relatively experimental. You should never use GBL alone or unprescribed as a form of medication, as this may be incredibly unsafe.
Uses of gamma-butyrolactone can span a variety of industries. Some of these include:
Cleaning and home services
Construction materials
Coloring agents
Cosmetics and beauty
Pharmacology
Photography
Food and flavoring production
Industrial chemistry
Toy production
Fragrance production
Chemical Structure of Gamma-Butyrolactone
Gamma-butyrolactone is a 5-membered-ring lactone, giving its molecules a hexagonal shape. Here is an example of the molecule:
It has a crystallized structure that looks like:
Gamma-Butyrolactone Categories
Due to its many forms and uses, there are actually a variety of different categories of GBL available.
For starters, GBL is often used as an intermediate for the manufacture of pyrrolidones. It can also help in the production of some pharmaceuticals. It also has uses as a synthesizer for substances such as:
DL - methionine
Piperidine
Phenylbutyric acid
Thiobutyric acid
GBL can also be used on its own for a variety of applications, thanks to its high solvency properties.
Gamma-Butyrolactone Applications
Because of its intensity as a solvent, gamma-butyrolactone is commonly used in electronic cleaning supplies, such as circuit board cleaners. It is also a great solvent for substances such as:
Polyacrylonitrile
Cellulose acetate
Methyl acrylate polymers
Polystyrene
You will often find GBL as a listed ingredient for nail polish removers, paint strippers, boat cleaners, and stain removers. The photography industry may also use it as a dispersion and finishing agent.
Frequently, GBL appears throughout the beauty and cosmetics industry. It is mainly used as a catalyst for the polymerization of materials such as sun lotions, hair compositions, and pharmaceuticals. Printing ink and the petroleum industry use it for a similar purpose.
As an immediate synthesizer, GBL is commonly used for substances such as:
Growth regulators
Herbicides
Thiodibutyric acid, a rubber additive
GBL can help stabilize substances such as:
Chlorohydrocarbons
Phosphorus-based pesticides
Additionally, GBL is often used in the manufacture of plastic composites. GBL may also be an ingredient in certain flavorings and fragrances. Studies for its potential pharmacological use are currently ongoing.
It is worth noting that GBL is a DEA Class 1 substance because of its potentially dangerous side effects and increasingly frequent use as a street drug.
Gamma-Butyrolactone Warnings
Despite its many benefits and uses, you must always handle gamma-butyrolactone with extreme care. It can be quite dangerous, as it comes with warnings such as:
Corrosive
Acute toxicity
Irritant
There are some products, generally labeled as dietary supplements, that claim GBL can assist in:
Building muscle
Improving physical performance
Improving sexual performance
Reducing stress
Improving sleep
However, GBL is not actually an active substance in the body on its own. But, the body can quickly convert it to GHB via paraoxonase (or lactonase) enzymes located in the blood.
Consuming GHB can result in an increase in the secretion of sleep-related growth hormones. This resulted in the selling of GBL as a dietary supplement until the FDA banned it.
Dangers of GBL Consumption
The FDA warns to never consume any products that claim to contain GBL. Consumption of GBL can lead to potentially life-threatening complications such as:
Irrational behavior
Severe sickness
Coma
Death
There have been instances of GBL being used as a recreational drug because of its properties as a GHB prodrug. It is often called "liquid ecstasy" because of its euphoric effect at low doses.
At higher doses, GBL becomes more like a sedative. There have been instances of GBL's use as a date rape drug because of these sedative properties.
Consuming GBL, especially when undiluted can have serious consequences, however. Some of these include:
Loss of consciousness
Gastro-intestinal and esophageal irritation
Nausea
Extreme and excessive vomiting
Death
Mixing GBL with alcohol can be particularly fatal, and generally leads to higher instances of vomiting and loss of consciousness. It has a very high level of fatality when combined with alcohol.
Dependence on the drug can develop, but usually only when used at high doses for an extended period of time.
Withdrawal symptoms are usually relatively mild and mainly consist of insomnia and sleep disruptions. However, high-dose withdrawal is often very similar to the symptoms of Benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome (BWS).
Safe Storage and Handling of GBL
Gamma-butyrolactone is a hazardous and water-soluble substance. Its hygroscopic nature means that it requires moisture content control in storage.
Storage containers should be tightly closed. It is also a good idea to keep them under a dry nitrogen atmosphere. GBL is best stored at room temperature.
You should store GBL in a dust-free environment, as dust may become a fire hazard. GBL is combustible at high temperatures and may release carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into the air.
Tips for Safe Handling
When handling GBL, always wear protective equipment such as gloves and goggles. GBL is an irritant and can lead to damage to the skin or eyes if it comes into contact with them. GBL should never touch skin, clothing, or eyes.
Always keep GBL away from any sources of heat or ignition. Never ingest or inhale gamma-butyrolactone.
Fires started around GBL can be suppressed using traditional methods, such as water spray, mist, or foam. You should always handle GBL in a well-ventilated space and avoid inhalation.
How to Buy Gamma-Butyrolactone
Gamma-butyrolactone is for sale online. However, purchasing GBL can be a highly regulated process, that may require special materials from the DEA.
If qualified, you can find gamma-butyrolactone for sale from reputable dealers. You can decide if a supplier is reputable by looking at the following considerations:
Look for Past Experience
A reputable supplier should have extensive experience in the industry. Working with an experienced supplier means you can rest easy knowing you'll get exactly the product you need.
It also ensures that your product will arrive safely and legally.
Check out the Reputation
Review previous client feedback and make sure your supplier has the proper accreditation. This specific feedback is also important to ensure you'll get the right product at the right time.
Additionally, working with a reputable supplier protects you both legally and in terms of safety.
Make Sure the Price is Right
You don't want to be overpaying for your gamma-butyrolactone. Prices can vary depending on the quality and type of GBL that is being sold.
Buying GBL for too low a price could mean you are getting an inferior product. Paying too much can mean you're getting ripped off. Try comparing prices before making any final purchase decisions.
Where to Purchase Gamma-Butrylactone Online
Gamma-butyrolactone is an incredibly useful substance. However, you should always use an abundance of caution when handling it.
Luckily, now that you know a little more about this incredible chemical, you can feel comfortable as you purchase some for your own industrial use.
Create a buyer account with Siltuce Ltd to start purchasing quality GBL today. No matter your application, you can rest easy knowing you have the best possible product on the market.
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