Introduction
2,5-Dimethyl-2,5-di(2-ethylhexanoylperoxy)hexane (CAS 13052-09-0) is a bifunctional peroxyester featuring two peroxide groups on a hexane backbone. This difunctional structure provides unique crosslinking and initiation capabilities, making it valuable for specialized polymer modification and crosslinking applications.
Key Facts
- CAS Number: 13052-09-0
- Molecular Formula: C24H46O6
- Molecular Weight: 430.63 g/mol
- Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
- Peroxide Functionality: Bifunctional (two O-O bonds per molecule)
- Active Oxygen: ~7.4% (theoretical)
- 10-Hour Half-Life Temperature: ~66-68 deg C
- SADT: ~35-40 deg C
Structural Features
The molecule contains two peroxide ester groups on a central 2,5-dimethylhexane spacer. Upon decomposition, each molecule generates four radical species (two alkoxy radicals directly, and two from subsequent beta-scission). This multifunctional radical generation enables both initiation and crosslinking in a single molecule, providing efficient polymer modification at relatively low peroxide concentrations.
Applications
Polymer Modification
This bifunctional peroxide is particularly useful for controlled modification of polyolefins, where the dual peroxide functionality enables simultaneous chain scission and long-chain branching reactions. These competing reactions can be balanced to produce polymers with tailored rheological properties.
Polyethylene Crosslinking
The compound can serve as a crosslinking agent for polyethylene, with its bifunctional nature contributing to efficient crosslink formation.
Specialty Polymer Synthesis
The dual initiating/crosslinking functionality makes it valuable in the synthesis of specialty graft copolymers and modified polyolefins.
Safety
With an SADT of ~35-40 deg C, this peroxide requires temperature-controlled storage below 25-30 deg C. Standard organic peroxide handling protocols apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What advantage does bifunctionality provide?
A: Bifunctional peroxides contain two peroxide groups per molecule. Upon decomposition, each molecule generates two pairs of radicals along the same molecular backbone. This means that both initiation and crosslinking can occur from a single peroxide molecule, potentially leading to more efficient polymer modification and the formation of unique molecular architectures (long-chain branching, controlled crosslinking) that are difficult to achieve with monofunctional peroxides.
Key Takeaways
- 2,5-Dimethyl-2,5-di(2-ethylhexanoylperoxy)hexane (CAS 13052-09-0) is a bifunctional peroxyester with two O-O bonds.
- The bifunctional structure enables simultaneous initiation and crosslinking capabilities.
- Applications include polyolefin modification, polyethylene crosslinking, and specialty polymer synthesis.
- Shandong Do Sender Chemicals supplies this specialty peroxide for advanced polymer modification.