2,3-butanediol has a variety of industrial applications and products it can produce. The levo isomer of butanediol has a low freezing point of -60 °C, which allows it to work as an antifreeze agent. Through catalytic dehydrogenation, butanediol can form diacetyl. Diacetyl is a food additive that can be used to add flavor. 0.1% butanediol will kill most pathogenic bacteria due to its antiseptic properties. Through esterification, forms of precursors of polyurethane foams are produced. These can be used in various applications, including in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, lotions, ointments, and antiperspirants. Butanediol itself even has applications in the pharmaceutical industry as a drug carrier.