1,4-Butanediol is a colorless and almost odorless liquid. This hygroscopic diol is soluble in water, alcohols, esters, ketones, glycol ethers and glycol ether acetates; immiscible in aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and diethylether.

1,4-Butanediol is not a skin irritant, but may be irritating to mucous membranes or the respiratory tract. Vapors may irritate the eyes. It may lead to iritic, conjunctivitis or diffuse corneal opacity may result. Proper respiratory and protective eyewear is highly recommended.

1,4-Butanediol has shelf life of 24 months in an unopened, original containers stored in a dry cool place. It is neither explosive nor spontaneously flammable in air. However, it is combustible.