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γ-Butyrolactone (GBL) is a hygroscopic colorless, water-miscible liquid with a weak characteristic odor. It is the simplest 4-carbon lactone. It is mainly used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, e.g. methyl-2-pyrrolidone. In humans GBL acts as a prodrug for γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), and it is used as a recreational intoxicant with effects similar to barbiturates.Butyrolactone is principally a precursor to other chemicals. Reaction with methylamine gives NMP. Ammonia gives pyrrolidone. It is also used as a solvent in lotions and some polymers.