What is 1,3-Butanediol?

Preferred IUPAC name Butane-1,3-diol Other names 1,3-butylene glycol, butane-1,3-diol, or 1,3-dihydroxybutane CAS Number 107-88-0 6290-03-5 (R) 24621-61-2 (S) 3D model (JSmol) - Interactive image Beilstein Reference 1731276 1718944 (R) 1718943 (S) ChEBI - CHEBI:52683 ChEMBL - ChEMBL1231503 ChemSpide

1,3-Butanediol — SubstanceWiki

Preferred IUPAC name Butane-1,3-diol

Other names 1,3-butylene glycol, butane-1,3-diol, or 1,3-dihydroxybutane

CAS Number

107-88-0
6290-03-5 (R)
24621-61-2 (S)

3D model (JSmol)

- Interactive image

Beilstein Reference

1731276

1718944 (R)

1718943 (S)

ChEBI

- CHEBI:52683

ChEMBL

- ChEMBL1231503

ChemSpider

- 7608
553103 (R)
394191 (S)

DrugBank

- DB02202

ECHA InfoCard

100.003.209

EC Number

- 203-529-7

E number

E1502 (additional chemicals)

Gmelin Reference

2409

2493173 (R)

1994384 (S)

KEGG

- D10695

MeSH

1,3-Butylene+glycol

PubChem CID

- 7896
637497(R)
446973(S)

RTECS number

- EK0440000

UNII

- 3XUS85K0RA

CompTox Dashboard (EPA)

- DTXSID8026773

InChI

InChI=1S/C4H10O2/c1-4(6)2-3-5/h4-6H,2-3H2,1H3Key:PUPZLCDOIYMWBV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
CC(O)CCO

Chemical formula

C4H10O2

Molar mass

90.122g·mol

Appearance

Colourless liquid

Density

1.0053 g cm

Melting point

−50°C (−58°F; 223K)

Boiling point

204 to 210°C; 399 to 410°F; 477 to 483K

Solubility in water

1 kg dm

log P

−0.74

Vapor pressure

8 Pa (at 20 °C)

Refractive index (nD)

1.44

Thermochemistry

Std molar entropy (S298)

227.2 J K mol

Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH298)

−501 kJ mol

Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH298)

−2.5022 MJ mol

Hazards

GHS labelling:

Pictograms

Signal word

Warning

Hazard statements

H319, H413

Precautionary statements

P305+P351+P338

NFPA 704 (firediamond)

1 1 0

Flash point

108°C (226°F; 381K)

Autoignition temperature

394°C (741°F; 667K)

Related compounds

Related butanediol

1,2-Butanediol

1,4-Butanediol

2,3-Butanediol

Related compounds

2-Methylpentane

Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25°C [77°F], 100kPa). Nverify(what is?)

Infobox references

How It Feels

The experience of 1,3-butanediol is best understood as a delayed, diluted reflection of GHB, the substance it is slowly converted into by the body's metabolic machinery. For the first hour or more after ingestion, there is very little to report. The liquid has been consumed, it tastes faintly sweet and chemical, and the body goes about its work of conversion without providing much feedback. The delay is the defining feature of the onset, and it can lead to the dangerous miscalculation of redosing before the first dose has fully manifested.

When the effects do arrive, they emerge as a gentle, spreading relaxation. Tension in the shoulders and back loosens. Anxiety, if present, begins to soften and recede. There is a mild but genuine sense of wellbeing that settles over the mind like a warm blanket. The world feels slightly more agreeable, social interactions slightly more enjoyable. At moderate doses, the effect profile closely resembles a mild alcohol intoxication: reduced inhibition, increased sociability, a pleasant physical looseness, and a subtle euphoria. The body feels warm and comfortable, and there is an easing of self-consciousness that can make conversation flow more readily.

Motor coordination deteriorates in proportion to dose, and the familiar signs of GABAergic intoxication appear: slightly slurred speech, impaired balance, and a heaviness in the limbs that can feel pleasant or burdensome depending on the context. At higher doses, drowsiness becomes pronounced, and the line between relaxed wakefulness and unconsciousness can become dangerously thin. The transition from pleasantly sedated to deeply unconscious can occur with little warning, particularly when combined with other depressants.

The overall duration of effects is typically three to five hours, though the slow onset means the subjective experience may feel shorter. The comedown is generally unremarkable, a gradual return to baseline characterized by lingering drowsiness and perhaps a mild headache. Sleep comes easily after the effects have run their course. The morning after is usually clear, though higher doses may produce a groggy, slightly hungover feeling. The experience as a whole is functional rather than remarkable, valued more for its accessibility as a legal GHB precursor than for any distinctive subjective character of its own.

Detection Methods

Urine Detection

1,3-Butanediol is a diol that serves as a prodrug for GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid), being metabolized in vivo through alcohol dehydrogenase pathways to GHB. As such, detection of 1,3-butanediol use primarily involves detection of GHB and its metabolites. GHB has a very short detection window in urine, approximately 6 to 12 hours after ingestion, due to its rapid metabolism. LC-MS/MS methods targeting GHB and 1,3-butanediol simultaneously can extend this window modestly. The parent compound 1,3-butanediol may be detectable slightly longer than GHB in some cases.

Blood and Serum Detection

Blood detection windows are extremely short, approximately 3 to 8 hours for both 1,3-butanediol and its GHB metabolite. Peak GHB concentrations following 1,3-butanediol ingestion occur within 30 to 90 minutes. Endogenous GHB production (0.1 to 1.0 mg/L) complicates interpretation of low-level results. Concentrations above established endogenous thresholds are required to confirm exogenous exposure.

Standard Drug Panel Inclusion

Neither 1,3-butanediol nor GHB is included on standard 5-panel, 10-panel, or 12-panel drug screens. GHB-specific immunoassays exist but are not routinely deployed. Due to the very short detection window, even when GHB testing is ordered, the timing of sample collection is critical and often too late for positive results in clinical scenarios.

Confirmatory Methods

GC-MS and LC-MS/MS are the standard confirmatory methods for GHB. Some methods can simultaneously detect 1,3-butanediol, GBL, and GHB, which provides information about the specific prodrug consumed. Careful specimen handling is required, as GHB can be produced artifactually in improperly preserved samples through fermentation.

Reagent Testing (Harm Reduction)

Standard colorimetric reagent kits used for other psychoactive substances (Marquis, Mecke, Mandelin, Ehrlich) are not effective for identifying 1,3-butanediol, as it is a simple diol without chromophoric functional groups. Specialized GHB detection kits using enzymatic or chemical assays exist but are not part of standard harm reduction reagent sets. Physical identification (clear, slightly viscous liquid with a faintly sweet taste) is the most common but least reliable identification method.

Interactions

Substance	Status	Note
2-Aminoindane	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
2-FA	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
2-FEA	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
2-FMA	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
2,5-DMA	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
2C-H	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
3-FA	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
3-FEA	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
3-FMA	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
3-FPM	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
3-MMC	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
3,4-CTMP	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
4-FA	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
4-FMA	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
4-MMC	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
4F-EPH	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
4F-MPH	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
5-APB	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
5F-AKB48	Caution	Cannabis can unpredictably intensify psychedelic effects and increase anxiety
5F-PB-22	Caution	Cannabis can unpredictably intensify psychedelic effects and increase anxiety
6-APDB	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
8-Chlorotheophylline	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
A-PHP	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
A-PVP	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
AB-FUBINACA	Caution	Cannabis can unpredictably intensify psychedelic effects and increase anxiety
Adrafinil	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Amphetamine	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Anandamide	Caution	Cannabis can unpredictably intensify psychedelic effects and increase anxiety
APICA	Caution	Cannabis can unpredictably intensify psychedelic effects and increase anxiety
Armodafinil	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Atropa belladonna	Caution	Unpredictable compounding of hallucinogenic effects with anticholinergic delirium
Benzydamine	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Bromantane	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Butylone	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Caffeine	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Cannabidiol	Caution	Cannabis can unpredictably intensify psychedelic effects and increase anxiety
Cannabis	Caution	Cannabis can unpredictably intensify psychedelic effects and increase anxiety
Cocaine	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Cyclazodone	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Datura	Caution	Unpredictable compounding of hallucinogenic effects with anticholinergic delirium
Desoxypipradrol	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Dextroamphetamine	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Dichloropane	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Diphenhydramine	Caution	Unpredictable compounding of hallucinogenic effects with anticholinergic delirium
Ephedrine	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Ephylone	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
ETH-CAT	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Ethylone	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Ethylphenidate	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Fenethylline	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Harmala alkaloid	Caution	MAOIs dramatically potentiate psychedelics; drastically reduce dose and exercise extreme caution
Hexedrone	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Isopropylphenidate	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
JWH-018	Caution	Cannabis can unpredictably intensify psychedelic effects and increase anxiety
JWH-073	Caution	Cannabis can unpredictably intensify psychedelic effects and increase anxiety
Kratom	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Lisdexamfetamine	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
MAOI	Caution	MAOIs dramatically potentiate psychedelics; drastically reduce dose and exercise extreme caution
MCPP	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
MDA	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
MDMA	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
MDPV	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Mephedrone	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Methamphetamine	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Methcathinone	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Methiopropamine	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Methylnaphthidate	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Methylone	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Methylphenidate	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Mexedrone	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Mirtazapine	Caution	Unpredictable compounding of hallucinogenic effects with anticholinergic delirium
Modafinil	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Myristicin	Caution	Unpredictable compounding of hallucinogenic effects with anticholinergic delirium
N-Ethylhexedrone	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
N-Methylbisfluoromodafinil	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
NEP	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Nicotine	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
NM-2-AI	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Oxiracetam	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Peganum harmala	Caution	MAOIs dramatically potentiate psychedelics; drastically reduce dose and exercise extreme caution
Pentedrone	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Phenylpiracetam	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
Rhodiola Rosea	Caution	Increases anxiety, cardiovascular stress, and psychological intensity
1B-LSD	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
1cP-AL-LAD	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
1cP-LSD	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
1cP-MiPLA	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
1P-ETH-LAD	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
1P-LSD	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
1V-LSD	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
2-Fluorodeschloroketamine	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
25B-NBOH	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
25B-NBOMe	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
25C-NBOH	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
25C-NBOMe	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
25D-NBOMe	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
25E-NBOH	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
25I-NBOH	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
25I-NBOMe	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
25N-NBOMe	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
2C-B	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
2C-B-FLY	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
2C-C	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
2C-D	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
2C-E	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
2C-I	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
2C-P	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
2C-T	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
2C-T-2	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
2C-T-21	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
2C-T-7	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
3-Cl-PCP	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
3-HO-PCE	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
3-HO-PCP	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
3-MeO-PCE	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
3-MeO-PCMo	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
3-MeO-PCP	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
3C-E	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
3C-P	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
4-AcO-DET	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
4-AcO-DiPT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
4-AcO-DMT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
4-AcO-MET	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
4-AcO-MiPT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
4-HO-DET	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
4-HO-DiPT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
4-HO-DPT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
4-HO-EPT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
4-HO-MET	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
4-HO-MiPT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
4-HO-MPT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
4-MeO-PCP	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
5-MeO-DALT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
5-MeO-DiBF	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
5-MeO-DiPT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
5-MeO-DMT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
5-MeO-MiPT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
6-APB	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
AL-LAD	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
ALD-52	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Allylescaline	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Ayahuasca	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Bromo-DragonFLY	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Bufotenin	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Deschloroketamine	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
DET	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Dextromethorphan	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
Diphenidine	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
DiPT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
DMT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
DOB	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
DOC	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
DOI	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
DOM	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
DPT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Efavirenz	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Ephenidine	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
EPT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Escaline	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
ETH-LAD	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
HXE	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
Ibogaine	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Inhalants	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
Ketamine	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
LAE-32	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
LSA	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
LSD	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
LSM-775	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
LSZ	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Memantine	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
Mescaline	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
MET	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Methallylescaline	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Methoxetamine	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
Methoxphenidine	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
MiPLA	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
MiPT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
MPT	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
MXiPr	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
Nitrous	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
O-PCE	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
PARGY-LAD	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
PCE	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
PCP	Low Risk & Synergy	Produces unique synergistic effects; often combined
PRO-LAD	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Psilocybin Mushrooms	Low Risk & Synergy	Cross-tolerance exists; effects compound
Codeine	Low Risk & No Synergy	No significant pharmacological interaction; opioids may slightly dull the psychedelic experience
Fentanyl	Low Risk & No Synergy	No significant pharmacological interaction; opioids may slightly dull the psychedelic experience
Heroin	Low Risk & No Synergy	No significant pharmacological interaction; opioids may slightly dull the psychedelic experience
Morphine	Low Risk & No Synergy	No significant pharmacological interaction; opioids may slightly dull the psychedelic experience
Oxycodone	Low Risk & No Synergy	No significant pharmacological interaction; opioids may slightly dull the psychedelic experience
Alcohol	Low Risk & Decrease	Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers
Alprazolam	Low Risk & Decrease	Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers
Clonazepam	Low Risk & Decrease	Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers
Diazepam	Low Risk & Decrease	Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers
GHB	Low Risk & Decrease	Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers
Lorazepam	Low Risk & Decrease	Depressants dull psychedelic effects; benzodiazepines are commonly used as trip-killers

Showing 197 key interactions out of 240 total.

Toxicity & Safety

The toxicity profile of 1,3-Butanediol, like most classical psychedelics, suggests a relatively favorable physiological safety margin. Classical psychedelics as a class have among the lowest organ toxicity of any psychoactive substances, with therapeutic indices far exceeding those of many common medications.

Physical toxicity: The primary physical risks associated with 1,3-Butanediol are indirect — injuries resulting from impaired judgment during the acute experience. Direct organ toxicity at typical recreational doses has not been well-established. However, the long-term effects of repeated use are not fully characterized.

Psychological risks: The more significant risks are psychological. These include acute anxiety/panic reactions ("bad trips"), triggering or exacerbating latent psychiatric conditions (particularly psychotic disorders), and Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) — a condition involving persistent visual disturbances after use.

Serotonin syndrome: Combining 1,3-Butanediol with serotonergic medications (MAOIs, SSRIs) can elevate serotonin to dangerous levels. This interaction requires particular caution.

Dependence potential: 1,3-Butanediol is not considered physically addictive, and tolerance to psychedelic effects develops rapidly (within days), making daily use impractical. Psychological dependence, while possible, is relatively uncommon compared to other substance classes.

It is strongly recommended that one use harm reduction practices when using this substance.

Overdose Information

Fatal overdose from 1,3-Butanediol alone, at doses within the typical recreational range, is extremely unlikely based on the available evidence for classical psychedelics. The therapeutic index for most psychedelics is very wide.

However, psychological emergencies can occur and require appropriate response:

Severe anxiety, panic, or psychotic episodes
Dangerous behavior due to impaired reality testing
Self-harm in the context of a distressing experience

Emergency management: If someone is experiencing a severe adverse reaction, move them to a calm, quiet environment. Speak reassuringly. Do not restrain unless there is immediate danger. Benzodiazepines (if available and the person is conscious and able to swallow) can reduce acute anxiety. If psychotic symptoms, self-harm risk, or medical distress is present, seek emergency medical attention.

Medical attention: Seek help immediately for seizures, extremely elevated body temperature, signs of serotonin syndrome (agitation, tremor, diarrhea, rapid heart rate), or if the substance consumed is uncertain.

Full	Unknown
Half	Unknown
Zero	Unknown

1,3-Butanediol

Dosage

Duration

How It Feels

Subjective Effects

Physical Effects

Physical(6)

Cognitive & Perceptual Effects

Cognitive(5)

Pharmacology

Detection Methods

Urine Detection

Blood and Serum Detection

Standard Drug Panel Inclusion

Confirmatory Methods

Reagent Testing (Harm Reduction)

Interactions

History

Harm Reduction

General Principles

1,3-Butanediol-Specific Harm Reduction

Toxicity & Safety

Overdose Information

Tolerance

Legal Status

Experience Reports (2)

Tips (5)

See Also

References (4)

Frequently Asked Questions