Para tertiary butyl-phenol (PTBP) is a chemical intermediate produced out of phenol and high purity isobutylene. It appears as crystals or white flakes at room temperature and has a disinfectant like odour. It is used in the manufacture of resins, aromatic compounds and adhesives. PTBP or 4-tert-butylphenol is an organic chemical compound, specifically a substituted phenol. Its CAS Registry Number is 98-54-4 and the chemical formula is C10H14O.
Chemical Properties:
The material of PTBP is a white crystalline solid and has a distinct phenolic colour. Depending on the source, it has a reported melting point between 95 and 100°C. A risk assessment report suggested that it has potential depigmenting properties and was a potential endocrine disruptor. It is insoluble in water, it may float or sink in water. The IUPC name if PTBP chemical is 4-(1,1-Dimethylethyl phenol).
Applications and Uses:
The major uses of para-tertiary butyl-phenol are in the production of epoxy resins and curing agents and in polycarbonate resins as well. This compound is also sometimes used in the production of phenolic resins. It has also found its use in the manufacture of para-tertiary butyl-phenol formaldehyde resin. It is used as a plasticizer as well.
Para tertiary butyl phenol is monofunctional. Bisphenol A is a dysfunctional polymer chain extender in polymer science terms, but para-tertiary butyl-phenol is a chain stopper and sometimes called end capper. It is, therefore, used to control molecular weight by limiting chain growth. Its property of being a chain terminator has enabled its use in the synthesis of polycarbonate polymers.
The major use of polycarbonate is in compact discs, DVD and RD Rom manufacture. Furthermore, they are used in solid and multi-wall sheets in glazing applications and films and as polycarbonate blends for diverse injection moulded function parts. The most common use of PTBP chemicals is in the containers for storage of food, beverages and tableware. Another use of PTBP is in the manufacturing of the corresponding cyclic alcohol (p-tert-butylcyclohexanol) and based on the recent information from industry during the risk reduction process, PTBP chemical is utilized in the production of tri-aryl phosphate esters that are used as flame retardants and plasticizers.
