Gamma-butyrolactone products are hygroscopic colorless oily liquid with a weak characteristic odor and are soluble in water. GBL is a common solvent and reagent in chemistry and is used as an aroma compound, a stain remover, a superglue remover, a paint stripper, and a solvent in some wet aluminum electrolytic capacitors. In humans, it acts as a prodrug for GHB, and it is used as a recreational intoxicant with effects similar to alcohol.
