4-Hydroxy-1-Butanesulfonic Acid shows up in the world of chemicals as a solid, powder, or solution. Its molecular formula, C4H10O4S, points to a molecule with a hydroxy group and a sulfonic acid group linked by a four-carbon chain. At room temperature, this compound can appear as colorless to white crystalline flakes or as fine powder, sometimes supplied in the form of pearls. Sometimes, suppliers offer it as a liquid solution to simplify handling and dosing. Commercial packs usually label it with its CAS number to eliminate confusion in supply chains.
Tightly wound into its backbone, the chemical structure pairs a hydroxyl group and a sulfonic acid group. Together, they give the molecule high water solubility, strong acidity, and the ability to participate as a buffer in various reactions. This acid dissolves in water quickly, forming a clear solution at standard concentrations. Its density falls around 1.35 to 1.41 g/cm3 (solid) at 20°C, and its melting point hovers between 120°C and 130°C, depending on crystal form and impurities. In pure form, it is stable at room temperature, but heating might degrade or decompose it into smaller fragments. The sulfonic acid group grants this compound a sharp, acidic bite that works well for specialty industrial reactions. Years of laboratory handling show this acid does not smell strongly compared to volatile organic materials, helping improve workplace comfort and safety.
In practical terms, 4-Hydroxy-1-Butanesulfonic Acid acts as a building block for organic synthesis, pharmaceutical research, and surfactant production. Its specific acidity and water solubility make it popular in buffer formulations, where consistent pH plays a key role. Many companies rely on it to control the outcome of reactions in pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing. Polymers benefit from its use where a stable, hydrophilic moiety can modify physical behavior. I have watched production batches grow more consistent when this acid is used to tweak intermediate steps. Since many supply chains require specification-driven materials, the accuracy of particle size—flakes, powder, pearls, or crystalline forms—dictates how easily the compound dissolves or mixes in an industrial batch process.
Specification sheets usually list content in percentage purity—common benchmarks range from 98% up to ultra-high-purity grades for electronic or pharmaceutical use. Most suppliers will highlight parameters such as moisture content, organic impurity threshold, sulfate or chloride levels, and pH of a standard solution. Molecular weight clocks in at 154.18 g/mol, and the HS Code for international shipping most often reads 2904.10, classifying it under sulfonic acids. Each shipment needs labeling as a hazardous material, so accurate documentation supports safety and compliance.
Working with 4-Hydroxy-1-Butanesulfonic Acid means paying attention to chemical safety. Skin and eye contact should be avoided. My own experience values reliable PPE, including gloves and goggles, to avoid irritation or long-term health impact. If dust is created while transferring from solid or powder form, a local exhaust hood becomes essential. Though it poses less acute toxicity than many reactive acids, this material can harm if mishandled or spilled in quantity. It qualifies for shipping under hazardous goods rules, and its spill response follows standard acid cleanup methods with neutralization and disposal by licensed waste services. Wastewater discharge must meet regulatory standards to prevent downstream acidity or sulfonate loading. Vendors often update safety data sheets to keep pace with evolving regulations, so reading current documentation becomes part of responsible storage and use.
Different industries pull the substance in assorted shapes and sizes. I have watched companies order the material as solid flakes in kilogram bags, fine powder for precise dosing, or as concentrated solutions, delivered by the drum or liter bottle. The form chosen depends on how easily it dissolves and how smoothly it can be weighed or blended. For lab batches, the crystal form pours well and ensures even distribution in recipes. In production, delivery as a liquid solution saves time and reduces airborne dust. Packaging must limit moisture, as the acid absorbs water from the air and clumps when left open. Drum and bag materials tend toward polyethylene or sealed composite liners to keep the product dry and free from contamination.
4-Hydroxy-1-Butanesulfonic Acid finds its way into many modern chemical solutions because it adapts to changing industrial needs. Transparency in supply chain documentation, regular product quality checks, and robust logistics planning prevent bottlenecks. For companies focused on green chemistry, optimized recovery and neutralization steps help control environmental impact, especially during wastewater management. Storage improvements, automated weighing, and closed transfer systems reduce on-site hazard and avoid product waste. Research into safer derivatives may further cut the risk of exposure, but for now, a strong safety culture, strict adherence to labeling, and a focus on practical packaging and delivery go the distance in boosting efficiency and minimizing harm. Knowing what goes into each drum or bag, and understanding the physical and chemical facts at every level, lays the groundwork for responsible use in every batch produced.
