This type of acetylene-based process is illustrative of what is known as "Reppe chemistry", after German chemist Walter Reppe.
Other enterics subsequently use the butylene glycol pathway to metabolize pyruvic acid to neutral end-products.
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).