Trimethylolpropane (TMP) is the organic compound with the formula CH3CH2C(CH2OH)3. A triol is this colorless to white substance with a little odor. The polymer industry uses TMP extensively as a building block because it has three hydroxy functional groups. It is a solid form of a trifunctional polyol. It is soluble in water, low-carbon alcohol, glycerol, and N,N-dimethylformamide. It is also somewhat soluble in acetone, ethyl acetate, and carbon tetrachloride. However, it is insoluble in aliphatic, aromatic, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. It is highly hygroscopic.TMP is primarily utilized in the synthesis of aviation lubricant, printing ink, coatings, polyurethane, unsaturated resin, polyester resin, and alkyd resin. Additionally, it can be utilized as a heat stabilizer for polyvinyl chloride resin and textile additives.
TMP is produced via a two step process, starting with the condensation of butanal with formaldehyde:
CH3CH2CH2CHO + 2 CH2O → CH3CH2C(CH2OH)2CHO
The second step entails a Cannizaro reaction:
CH3CH2C(CH2OH)2CHO + CH2O + NaOH → CH3CH2C(CH2OH)3 + NaO2CH
Approximately 200,000,000 kg are produced annually in this way.
TMP is primarily used as an ingredient in alkyd resins. Alternatively, TMPs that have been acrylated and/or alkoxylated are employed as multifunctional monomers to create a variety of coatings. The condensation of TMP with the epoxides yields ethoxylated and propoxylated TMP, which is utilized to make flexible polyurethanes. The TMP allyl ether derivatives with the formula CH3CH2C(CH2OCH2CH=CH2)3-x(CH2OH)x are the building blocks for ion exchange resins and high-gloss paints. A photoinducible polymerization initiator, oxetane ("TMPO"), is used. Additionally, it might be combined with epichlorohydrin to create triglycidyl ether.An extensively utilized organic chemical intermediate is trimethylolpropane (TMP). It is mostly utilized as a raw material for high-grade coatings, alkyd resin, and polyurethane resin. Other resins and organics require it as a crucial intermediary.Due to its robust chemical composition, end goods can benefit from its outstanding UV and chemical resistance as well as its ability to survive significant temperature fluctuations and high mechanical stress.TMP can be used to create polyurethane and alkyd coatings that have better endurance, gloss, and hardness. TMP has been authorized for use in a number of food contact applications and is non-toxic and biodegradable.Some applications are as follow:
Used as the curing agent for polyurethane coatings/adhesives.
Synthesis of branched polyester polyol for polyurethane coatings/synthetic leather/elastomer.
Synthesis of polyether polyol as the initiator.
Production of polyurethane plastics.
Used as the crosslinking agent of polyurethane elastomer, microcellular polyurethane plastics.
A cold, well-ventilated warehouse is best for storing items away from acids and oxidizers. Stay clear of sources of heat and fire. The storage room has to include leak-proof containers and firefighting gear.When beginning the transportation process, the cargo should be secure and the packing should be finished. Make sure the box doesn't leak, tumble, collapse, or sustain any harm. It is absolutely forbidden to combine the product with acids and oxidizers. The cargo has to be shielded from the sun, the elements, and extreme heat.
