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Information About

Gamma Butyrolactone






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 and 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, for example in a 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 is a Prodrug of GHB . Metabolism takes place in stomach and blood plasma. GBL is longer acting and has a shorter onset than GHB. Otherwise, effects are identical to GHB. If ingested undiluted through the oral route, GBL can irritate innards.


SEE ALSO




EXTERNAL LINKS


  • Erowid on GBL

  • GHB alternatives

  • BBC News story: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4261788.stm The paint stripper drug that kills], October 7, 2005.