gamma-Butyrolactone, also known as GBL, butyrolactone, 1,4-lactone, 4-butyrolactone, 4-hydroxybutyric acid lactone, and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid lactone, is a hygroscopic colorless oily liquid with a weak characteristic odor of medium solubility in water (≥ 10 g / 100 ml). gamma-Butyrolactone is a common solvent and reagent in chemistry and is used as an aroma compound, as a stain remover , as a paint stripper, and as a gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) precursor and substitute.
Chemistry
gamma-Butyrolactone is a lactone. It is hydrolyzed under basic conditions like in sodium hydroxide solution into sodium gamma-hydroxybutyrate, the sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid. Under acidic conditions it forms an equilibrium mixture of both compounds. gamma-Butyrolactone can be synthesized from gamma-hydroxybutyric acid by removal of water or by distillation from such a mixture.
Recreational use
GBL can be used as a recreational drug with effects and dangers similar to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) but with a longer duration of action. Both compounds are depressants with an action somewhat similar to alcohol. Combination of GBL and GHB with alcohol, benzodiazepines (valium), barbiturates, and other CNS depressants is extremely dangerous because their actions are multiplied.
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