butyrolactone
Sign in to saveγ-Butyrolactone (GBL) or '''gamma-butyrolactone''' is an organic compound with the formula . It is a hygroscopic, colorless, water-miscible liquid with a pleasant odor. It is the simplest 4-carbon lactone. It is mainly used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.
Article
16 sectionsContents
- Occurrence
- Production and synthesis
- Reactions
- Polymerization
- Uses
- Pharmacology
- Pharmacokinetics
- Nutritional supplement
- Recreational drug
- Dangers
- Addictiveness and dependence
- Dose
- Legal status
- See also
- References
- External links
γ-Butyrolactone (GBL) or '''gamma-butyrolactone' is an organic compound with the formula . It is a hygroscopic, colorless, water-miscible liquid with a pleasant odor. It is the simplest 4-carbon lactone. It is mainly used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone.
In humans, GBL acts as a prodrug for gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and is often used as a recreational drug. GHB acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant with effects similar to those of barbiturates.