In the pharmaceutical field, 4-hydroxy-2-butanone can be used to synthesize methyl vinyl ketone (butenone), which is then used to prepare (Z)-3-methylpent-2-en-4-yn-1-ol, ultimately producing vitamin A.

4-Hydroxy-2-butanone, also known as butanone alcohol or acetylenol, has the chemical formula C4H8O2 and a molecular weight of 88.105. It is a colorless, transparent liquid that is irritating to the eyes and skin. Its density is 1.023 g/mL (25°C), and its boiling point is 156.3°C (760 mmHg). It is soluble in water, readily soluble in acetone, miscible with ethanol and ether, and flammable.

According to the "Global and China 4-Hydroxy-2-Butanone Industry Research and 15th Five-Year Plan Analysis Report (2026-2030)" released by the New Thinking Industry Research Center, 4-hydroxy-2-butanone can be used as a pharmaceutical intermediate, pesticide intermediate, and organic synthesis intermediate. In the pharmaceutical field, 4-hydroxy-2-butanone can be used to synthesize methyl ketene (butenone), which is then used to prepare (Z)-3-methylpent-2-en-4-yn-1-ol, ultimately producing vitamin A. In pesticides, 4-hydroxy-2-butanone is a component of bark beetle attractants. In organic synthesis, 4-hydroxy-2-butanone can be used to prepare raspberry ketone, anisylacetone, and other fragrances and flavorings, and can also be used to synthesize compounds such as 3-buten-2-one, 4-methyl-5-hydroxymethylthiazole, and mevalonate lactone.

Vitamin A plays a vital role in maintaining vision, regulating cell proliferation and differentiation, and enhancing immune function, making it one of the essential vitamins for the human body. Vitamin A can be obtained from food, but when intake is insufficient, exogenous supplementation is necessary. The global vitamin A market is projected to reach 16.31 billion yuan in 2025 and is expected to grow to 20.29 billion yuan by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of 4.46%. This robust global vitamin A market will positively impact the development of the 4-hydroxy-2-butanone industry.

4-Hydroxy-2-butanone is prepared by mixing acetone and formaldehyde in a specific ratio and reacting them under the action of an alkaline catalyst at a controlled temperature. In recent years, patents related to the preparation process of 4-hydroxy-2-butanone in my country mainly include those from Tianjin Ankait Technology Development Co., Ltd. ("A Synthetic Method of 4-Hydroxy-2-Butanone"), and Gansu Provincial Chemical Research Institute Co., Ltd. and Lanzhou Xinli Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. ("A Production Method of 4-Hydroxy-2-Butanone").

In 2023, Jiangxi Kaiyuan Fragrance Co., Ltd. published a patent for "A Process for Preparing 4-Hydroxy-2-Butanone," using formaldehyde as a raw material and amino acids as a catalyst, condensing with acetone at room temperature to obtain 4-hydroxy-2-butanone in one step. This process features high yield, high product purity, low equipment corrosivity, and reduced production costs.

Analysts at Xinsijie Industry Research Institute stated that Liaoning Yinghe Fragrance Co., Ltd. is one of the 4-hydroxy-2-butanone producers in the Chinese market. Yingyang (China) Flavor & Fragrance Group primarily engages in the research, development, production, and sales of synthetic fragrance raw materials and related chemical products. Liaoning Yinghe Fragrance Co., Ltd. is a holding subsidiary of Yingyang (China) Flavor & Fragrance Group, whose business scope covers the production, research and development, and sales of musk-T, 4-hydroxy-2-butanone, Yingyang ketone, and Yingyang nitrile.

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