Formula C14H22O | Boiling point 253 °C | |
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Appearance Low-melting colourless solid | ||
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. Illustrative of its usefulness, it prevents gumming in aviation fuels.
Contents
Production
2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol is prepared by the reaction of phenol with isobutene catalyzed by aluminium phenoxide:
C6H5OH + 2 CH2=C(CH3)2 → ((CH3)3C)2C6H3OHIn this way, approximately 2.5M kg/y are produced.
Applications
2,6-Di-tert-butylphenol is a precursor to more complex compounds used as antioxidants and light-protection agents. Representative derivatives include 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl chloride (CAS# 955-01-1), 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (CAS# 88-26-6), and methyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)- propionate (CAS# 6386-38-5). Such derivatives are prepared from 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol by chloromethylation and hydroxymethylation using formaldehye and alkylation with acrylic acid.
Safety and regulation
The LD50 is 9200 mg/kg, indicating a low toxicity.
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.