PRODUCT PROFILE: Bisphenol a (BPA), a synthetic estrogen used to harden polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resin, is the focus of a growing number of research studies and legislative actions. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic compound with the chemical formula (CH3)2C(C6H4OH)2. It is a colourless solid that is soluble in organic solvents, but poorly soluble in water. Having two phenol functional groups, it is used to make polycarbonate polymers and epoxy resins, along with other materials used to make plastics. Product characteristics Chemical name : (2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, BPA) Appearance : White crystalline powder having a slight phenolic odour. Molecular formula : C15H6O2 Melting Point (°C): 150-159 Boiling Point (°C): 220 (at 4 mm Hg) Flash Point (°C): 227 Specific Gravity: 1.195 (25/25°C) It is obtained by condensation of phenol with acetone in the presence of a strongly acidic ion exchange resin, in the gel form, as a catalyst. Bisphenol A is a moderately water-soluble compound (300 mg L 1 at room temperature) and it dissociates in an alkaline environment (pKa 9.9–11.3). Bisphenol A is a solid which melts only at temperatures considerably above the boiling point of water, i.e. at approximately 311°Fahrenheit or 155°Centigrade. Bisphenol A has low vapor pressure at ambient temperature conditions. Bisphenol A has a water solubility of 120 to 300 milligrams per liter and a greater solubility at alkaline pH values. Applications of Bisphenol A: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that is mainly used in combination with other chemicals to manufacture plastics and resins. Bisphenol A is the main ingredient used for production of polycarbonate, epoxy, unsaturated polyester, and polysulfone resins. Some of the applications are: • Bisphenol A is used in polycarbonate, a high performance transparent, rigid plastic. • Residues of BPA are also present in epoxy resins used to make protective coatings and linings for food and beverage cans and vats. • Bisphenol A can migrate in small amounts into food and beverages stored in materials containing the substance. • Bisphenol A is used primarily to make plastics, and products using bisphenol A-based plastics have been in commercial use • Bisphenol A is also a precursor to the flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A, and formerly was used as a fungicide • Bisphenol A is a preferred color developer in carbonless copy paper and thermal paper, with the most common public exposure coming from some thermal point of sale receipt paper • BPA based products are also used in foundry castings and for lining water pipes • Some polymers used in dental treatment contain Bisphenol A • Bisphenol a (BPA), a synthetic estrogen used to harden polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resin GLOBAL SCENARIO: Bisphenol A (BPA), phenolic resins and caprolactam were the leading end use segments for phenol in 2010, with 2,761,915 tons, 2,181,698 tons and 1,001,903 tons of demand, respectively, Together they accounted for more than 70% of global phenol demand. In terms of the end uses of phenol, a similar trend is expected to continue throughout the forecast period till 2020.The growth in demand for Bisphenol A in India would be in tune with the growth of the epoxy resin industry. Growth rate in demand for Bisphenol A through 2016 is estimated around 9 % per annum.