This type of acetylene-based process is illustrative of what is known as "Reppe chemistry", after German chemist Walter Reppe.
A toy called Bindeez (Aqua Dots in North America) was recalled by the distributor in November 2007 because of the unauthorized substitution of 1,5-pentanediol with 1,4-butanediol.
The toy was supposed to contain the non-toxic chemical 1,5-pentanediol (a viscous oily liquid used as plasticiser), but instead contained 1,4-butanediol, which is metabolised into the drug gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB, an anaesthetic used as a recreational and date rape drug).
Other enterics subsequently use the butylene glycol pathway to metabolize pyruvic acid to neutral end-products.