A New and Efficient Method for the Synthesis of 1,4-Butanediol as Chain Extender

The aim of this study is the synthesis of 1,4-butanediol (BDO), as chain extender, which is a component of the propellant for improving its mechanical properties. In this research a new and efficient method for the synthesis of BDO from 2bromoethanol has been reported. In roder to do this, first , the hydroxyl group of 2-bromoethanol was protected by triphenylmethyl chloride (TrCl). Then the corresponding grignard compound was synthesized in the presence of magnesium to react wth the equimolar amount of 2-trityloxy bromoethane. Finally deprotection of hydroxyl groups by cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN) resulted in the production of 1,4-butanediol in 93% yield. The intermediate compounds and the product of these reactions were characterized by FTIR and 1HNMR spectroscopies. Availability of the starting materials, high yield and purity of the product and mild reaction conditions are some advantages of the method.