Resorcinol Bis(diphenyl Phosphate): A Chemist's Guide to its Synthesis and Properties
For chemists and material scientists, understanding the intricate details of chemical compounds is fundamental to innovation. Resorcinol Bis(diphenyl Phosphate) (RDP), identified by CAS number 57583-54-7, is a compound of significant interest, particularly for its role as a high-performance flame retardant. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of RDP's synthesis, chemical reactions, and key physical properties, offering valuable insights for researchers and industry professionals looking to buy or understand this advanced material. As a dedicated manufacturer, we pride ourselves on the quality and purity of the RDP we supply.
Synthesis and Chemical Reactions:
- Synthesis Pathway: RDP is typically synthesized through an esterification reaction involving resorcinol, phenol, and phosphorus oxychloride. Magnesium chloride often serves as a catalyst to facilitate the reaction. The process generally involves heating the mixture to temperatures around 120-125°C for several hours to achieve complete esterification. Industrial production may leverage continuous flow reactors for optimized efficiency and product consistency.
- Key Reagents: The primary building blocks are resorcinol (a dihydroxybenzene), phenol, and phosphorus oxychloride. The precise stoichiometry and reaction conditions are critical for achieving high yields and purity.
- Esterification Reactions: The core chemical transformations involve the formation of ester linkages between the hydroxyl groups of resorcinol and the phosphorus oxychloride, subsequently reacted with phenol to form the diphenyl phosphate groups.
- Potential for Substitution Reactions: Under specific, often harsh, conditions, the phosphate ester groups can undergo nucleophilic substitution reactions, though RDP is generally stable under typical use conditions.
Physical and Chemical Properties:
- Appearance: RDP is typically described as a colorless to pale yellow clear liquid. Its liquid form at room temperature, coupled with its low viscosity, simplifies handling and incorporation into various formulations.
- Molecular Structure: The molecule features a central resorcinol unit to which two diphenyl phosphate groups are attached. This structure provides significant steric hindrance and contributes to its thermal stability. The molecular formula is C30H24O8P2, with a molecular weight of approximately 574.45 g/mol.
- Thermal Stability: A critical property for its application as a flame retardant, RDP exhibits excellent thermal stability, with decomposition onset temperatures well above typical polymer processing temperatures. This ensures its efficacy even in high-temperature engineering plastics.
- Solubility: RDP shows good solubility in common organic solvents such as chloroform and ethyl acetate, while having limited solubility in water. This characteristic is important for its application in solvent-based systems or for compatibility testing.
- Purity: As a chemical intermediate, high purity is paramount. Commercial RDP typically achieves a purity of 98% or higher, ensuring consistent performance and minimizing unwanted side reactions.
Applications and Sourcing:
The unique properties of Resorcinol Bis(diphenyl Phosphate) make it a highly sought-after flame retardant for a wide range of applications, including engineering plastics, electronics, and textiles. For businesses looking to source this crucial additive, finding a reliable supplier in China, such as ourselves, is essential for ensuring quality, consistency, and competitive pricing. We are committed to providing RDP that meets rigorous industry standards and often offer a free sample to prospective clients to demonstrate its superior performance.
Understanding the chemical intricacies of RDP empowers formulators and researchers to leverage its full potential, driving innovation in product safety and material performance. We are dedicated to supporting these advancements through the provision of high-quality chemical solutions.
Perspectives & Insights
Nano Explorer 01
“Synthesis and Chemical Reactions:Synthesis Pathway: RDP is typically synthesized through an esterification reaction involving resorcinol, phenol, and phosphorus oxychloride.”
Data Catalyst One
“The process generally involves heating the mixture to temperatures around 120-125°C for several hours to achieve complete esterification.”
Chem Thinker Labs
“Industrial production may leverage continuous flow reactors for optimized efficiency and product consistency.”