Introduction
1,1,3,3-Tetramethylbutyl peroxyneodecanoate (CAS 51240-95-0) is a peroxyester initiator featuring a highly branched alkyl substituent that imparts distinctive solubility, stability, and decomposition characteristics. This compound is part of the broader family of peroxyneodecanoate initiators widely used in PVC and acrylic polymer production.
Key Facts
- CAS Number: 51240-95-0
- Molecular Formula: C18H36O3
- Molecular Weight: 300.48 g/mol
- Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
- 10-Hour Half-Life Temperature: ~47-49 deg C
- SADT: ~15-20 deg C
- Storage: Refrigerated, typically below 0 deg C
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Density (20 deg C) | ~0.92 g/cm3 |
| Active Oxygen | ~5.3% (theoretical) |
| Solubility in Monomers | Excellent in VCM, styrene, acrylates |
| SADT | ~15-20 deg C |
Applications
PVC Suspension Polymerization
The branched 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl group provides excellent solubility in vinyl chloride monomer, ensuring homogeneous initiator distribution. This results in consistent polymerization rates and PVC resin with uniform particle morphology and K-value distribution.
Acrylic Polymer Production
In acrylic and methacrylic polymer systems, this initiator provides effective radical generation at moderate temperatures, supporting the production of resins with controlled molecular weight and narrow polydispersity.
Safety and Handling
Due to its SADT of approximately 15-20 deg C, this compound requires refrigerated storage and transport. Standard organic peroxide safety protocols apply, with emphasis on:
- Continuous temperature monitoring during storage
- Use of explosion-proof equipment
- Avoidance of contamination with acids, bases, and metals
- FIFO inventory management
Q: What is the advantage of the tetramethylbutyl substituent?
A: The highly branched tert-octyl (1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl) group provides enhanced solubility in nonpolar media compared to smaller alkyl substituents. This promotes uniform initiator distribution in the monomer phase during PVC suspension polymerization. Additionally, the tertiary alkoxy radical generated upon decomposition has characteristic reactivity that influences initiation efficiency.
Key Takeaways
- 1,1,3,3-Tetramethylbutyl peroxyneodecanoate (CAS 51240-95-0) is a medium-temperature peroxyester initiator.
- The branched substituent provides excellent solubility in VCM for PVC suspension polymerization.
- Refrigerated storage is required due to the SADT of ~15-20 deg C.
- Shandong Do Sender Chemicals supplies this initiator with comprehensive technical and logistics support.