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Here
are the details about nonylphenol (CAS# 84852-15-3):
Chemical Properties:
- Chemical Formula: C₁₅H₂₄O
- Molecular Weight: 220.35
g/mol
- Structural Formula:
C₆H₄(OH)(C₈H₁₇)
- IUPAC Name: 4-Nonylphenol
- Common Names: Nonylphenol
Physical Properties:
- Appearance: Usually a
colorless to light yellow liquid or solid (depending on purity)
- Odor: Weak, phenolic odor
- Density: ~0.96 g/cm³
- Melting Point: ~20-25°C (for
technical grade)
- Boiling Point: ~280-310°C
(decomposition)
Chemical Characteristics:
- Functional Group: Hydroxyl
(-OH) group attached to a nonyl (C₈H₁₇) side chain on a benzene ring
- Acidity (pKa): ~10
- Basicity (pKb): ~4
- Reactivity: Can undergo
electrophilic substitution reactions due to the electron-donating nature
of the -OH group on the benzene ring.
Uses:
- Industrial: Used as an
intermediate in the production of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs), which
are surfactants used in industrial applications such as detergents, emulsifiers,
and lubricants.
- Plasticizers: Used as a
plasticizer in some plastics and resins.
- Stabilizers: Used as an
antioxidant and stabilizer in rubber and other materials.
- Biocides: Used in some
biocidal applications, though its use is restricted due to environmental
concerns.
Safety and Handling:
- Toxicity: Considered toxic to
aquatic life; exposure to nonylphenol can cause irritation to skin, eyes,
and respiratory tract.
- Environmental Impact:
Nonylphenol and its ethoxylates are considered endocrine disruptors and
have been restricted or banned in some regions due to their persistence
and potential to bioaccumulate in the environment.
Production:
- Synthesis: Produced by the
alkylation of phenol with nonene followed by hydrogenation to remove
double bonds.
- Yield: High yield process due
to efficient production methods.
Environmental Impact:
- Biodegradability: Nonylphenol
itself is biodegradable, but its ethoxylates (NPEs) can persist in the
environment and pose risks to aquatic organisms.
- Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic
organisms; environmental regulations and restrictions aim to minimize its
impact on ecosystems.
Nonylphenol's
industrial applications have decreased due to regulatory restrictions and
environmental concerns over its persistence and potential to disrupt hormonal
systems in wildlife. As a result, there has been a shift towards safer
alternatives in many applications where nonylphenol was traditionally used.
If you need further information
or have specific questions, feel free to ask!