PRODUCT PROFILE Neopentyl glycol (IUPAC name 2,2 dimethyl-1,3 propanediol) is an organic chemical compound. It is used in the synthesis of polyesters, paints, lubricants, and plasticizers. When used in the manufacture of polyesters, it enhances the stability of the product towards heat, light, and water. Byesterification reaction with fatty or carboxylic acids, synthetic lubricating esters with reduced potential for oxidation or hydrolysis, compared to natural esters, can be produced. Neopentyl glycol is synthesized industrially by the aldol reaction of formaldehyde and isobutyraldehyde. This creates the intermediate hydroxypivaldehyde, which can be converted to neopentyl glycol with either excess formaldehyde or catalytic hydrogenation of the aldehyde group to an alcohol group. Product characteristics Chemical name : 1,3 Propanediol, 2,2-dimethyl CAS Number : 126-30-7 Appearance : white crystalline solid End Point : IDENTIFIERS, PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES Molecular Formula : C5H12O2 Molecular Weight : 104.15 Melting Point : 127 ? Boiling Point : 208? Vapour Pressure : 30 mmHg (140?), 760 mmHg (211?) Water Solubility : 190g/100 ml at 20? (65%) Impurities : Neopentyl glycol formic acid ester and neopentyl glycol . . isolactic acid ester Neopentyl Glycol (NPG) is stable solid, and the production volume is 12,000 tonnes. This chemical is stable in neutral, acidic or alkaline solutions, and is classified as not readily biodegradable by the results of the biodegradation test conducted as testing. The chemical is non toxic to fish, daphnids and algae. The chemical showed no genotoxic effects. Estimated dose of low concern (EDCL) was calculated as 0.1 mg/kg/day and 10.0 mg/kg/day for repeated dose toxicity and reproductive toxicity, respectively. In conclusion, although 2,2 dimethyl 1,3 propanediol is persistent and toxicological test showed moderate toxicity, no further testing is needed at present considering its exposure levels. Applications of Neopentyl glycol: Neopentylglycol (NPG), or 2, 2-dimethyl 1, 3 propanediol,is mainly used as a building block in polyester resins for coatings, unsaturated polyesters, lubricants and plasticizers. Neopentyl glycol is used in the manufacture of resins for coatings, especially gel coats and powder coatings. It is also converted to alkyd, polyester and polyurethane resins for water and solvent based coatings, including high solid systems in automotive coatings and in coil coatings. The quaternary structure of neopentyl glycol allows it to provide superior hydrolytic stability, weather ability and a good balance between hardness and flexibility in the following applications: Polyester/alkyd resin coatings Polyesterols Polyester plasticizers Reinforced resins Synthetic lubricants Flame retarding compounds Binders and adhesives Gel coats It is also used as an intermediate for the synthesis of lubricants, plasticizers, adhesives, mortar or cement systems, photographic materials, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, fragrances, fibre lubricants antistatic agents, fabric softeners, vibration dampeners. GLOBAL SCENARIO: Neopentyl Glycol (NPG) is shipped as flake, molten and slurry. It is readily soluble at room temperature in water, alcohols, glycol ethers, ketones and esters. Global demand is around 0.5 million tonnes per annum. There is growing demand for intermediates, particularly those used in coating applications. Powder coatings based on NPG show improved impact and scratch resistance, and high gloss. Synthetic lubricants made from NPG provide good lubricity and reduced corrosivity. Both of these uses will grow. Global demand growth is forecast at 3.1% per year.
