What is Oxydipropyl dibenzoate and how is it used?

Overview

Oxydipropyl dibenzoate, also known as dipropylene glycol dibenzoate, has a molecular formula of C₂₀H₂₂O₅ with a molecular weight of 342.3857. With the rapid development of the plastic industry, there is an increasing demand for plasticizers. Due to the toxicity of the most commonly used plasticizer, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, the properties of Oxydipropyl dibenzoate are gaining more attention and its usage is significantly increasing.

When Oxydipropyl dibenzoate is used as an internal electron donor to prepare catalysts for acrylic polymerization, the resulting product has a broader molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn>8.0) compared to catalysts using di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate. Infrared spectroscopy studies have shown that the ester and ether functional groups in Oxydipropyl dibenzoate can coordinate with magnesium chloride, leading to the wider molecular weight distribution of the polymer.

Synthesis Method

By using byproducts of benzoic acid and polyether production, such as diethylene glycol, Oxydipropyl dibenzoate can be synthesized. Experimental studies have determined the process flow and optimal conditions to achieve a yield of 93.5% and a product purity of over 99%, with excellent plasticizing properties.

Applications

Oxydipropyl dibenzoate is primarily used as a plasticizer, with di-benzoate esters like it being commonly used in PVA (polyvinyl acetate) emulsion adhesives, caulks, sealants, coatings, and more. Below are a few application examples:

In the field of fire-resistant materials technology, an elastic heat-resistant composite structural sealing material has been reported. The material consists of a low-temperature elastic heat-resistant material sandwiched between graphite isolation materials, with Oxydipropyl dibenzoate as a plasticizer.

In the construction industry, an environmentally friendly waterproof material has been developed. The material is prepared from various raw materials and exhibits strong compressive resistance, long service life, good high-temperature performance, and excellent crack resistance.

References

[1] Anonymous. Synthesis of diethylene glycol dibenzoate[J]. Information on Fine Chemical Economy and Technology, 2004(10):2.

[2] Zhang Qiaofeng, Yuan Yuping, Zhang Chunyu, et al. Acrylic polymerization catalyst using polyethylene glycol dibenzoate as an electron donor[J]. Journal of Catalysis, 2007, 28(1):2. DOI:10.3321/j.issn:0253-9837.2007.01.002.

[3] Xu Jun. Study on the synthesis process of diethylene glycol dibenzoate[J]. Sichuan Chemical Industry, 2004, 7(4):3. DOI:10.3969/j.issn.1672-4887.2004.04.005.

[4] Ma Weikui, Yang Wengang, Li Hongxia, et al. An elastic heat-resistant composite structural sealing material: CN202310245422.4[P]. CN116476490A.

[5] Hou Juan. An environmentally friendly waterproof material. 2018.