2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol is an organic compound with the structural formula 2,6-((CH3)3C)2C6H3OH. This colorless solid alkylated phenol and its derivatives are used industrially as UV stabilizers and antioxidants for hydrocarbon-based products ranging from petrochemicals to plastics.[1] Illustrative of its usefulness, it prevents gumming in aviation fuels.
Production
2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol is prepared industrially via the Friedel–Crafts alkylation of phenol with isobutene catalyzed by aluminium phenoxide:
- C6H5OH + 2 CH2=C(CH3)2 → ((CH3)3C)2C6H3OH
In this way, approximately 2.5M kg/y are produced.[2]
Applications
Its dominant use is as an antioxidant.
2,6-di-tert-butylphenol is a precursor to more complex compounds used as antioxidants and light-protection agents for the stabilization for polymers. Of particular note is methyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate (CAS# 6386-38-5), which is formed by the Michael addition of methyl acrylate. This compound is used as a feedstock in the synthesis of more complex antioxidants such as Irganox 1098. 2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol is also used in the synthesis of CGP-7930, probucol, and nicanartine.
Safety and regulation
The LD50 is 9200 mg/kg, indicating a low toxicity.[2]
2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol is covered by the U.S. Department of Transportation Code of Federal Regulations 49 CFR 172.101, Appendix B (20 Dec 2004). This substance is designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as a marine pollutant.
See also
References
- ^ Peter P. Klemchuk (2005). "Antioxidants". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a03_091. ISBN 978-3527306732.
- ^ a b Helmut Fiege; Heinz-Werner Voges; Toshikazu Hamamoto; Sumio Umemura; Tadao Iwata; Hisaya Miki; Yasuhiro Fujita; Hans-Josef Buysch; Dorothea Garbe; Wilfried Paulus (2002). "Phenol Derivatives". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a19_313. ISBN 978-3527306732.
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