1,4-Butanedithiol

1,4-Butanedithiol is an organosulfur compound with the formula HSCH2CH2CH2CH2SH. It is a malodorous, colorless liquid that is highly soluble in organic solvents. The compound has found applications in biodegradable polymers.

Reactions
Alkylation with geminal dihalides gives 1,3-dithiepanes. Oxidation gives the cyclic disulfide 1,2-dithiane:
 * HSCH2CH2CH2CH2SH + O  ->   S2(CH2)4  +  H2O

It forms self-assembled monolayers on gold.

It is also used in polyadditions along with 1,4-butanediol to form sulfur-containing polyester and polyurethanes containing diisocyanate. Several of these polymers are considered biodegradable and many of their components are sourced from non-petroleum oils.

Related compounds

 * Dithiothreitol
 * 1,3-Propanedithiol