BACKGROUND: The influence of technological parameters on the epoxidation of 1-butene-3-ol (1B3O) over titanium silicalite TS-2 catalyst has been investigated. Epoxidations were carried out using 30%(w/w) hydrogen peroxide at atmospheric pressure. The major product from the epoxidation of B30 was 1,2-epoxybutane-3-ol, with many potential applications. RESULTS: The influence of temperature (20-60 degrees C), 1B3O/H2O2 molar ratio (1 : 1-5 : 1), methanol concentration (5-90%(w/w)), TS-2 catalyst concentration (0.1-6.0%(w/w)) and reaction time (0.5-5.0 h) have been studied. CONCLUSION: The epoxidation process is most effective if conducted at a temperature of 20 degrees C, 1B3O/H2O2 molar ratio 1 : 1, methanol concentration (used as the solvent) 80%(w/w), catalyst concentration 5%(w/w) and reaction time 5 h. (c) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry