Tinopal 5BM
[CAS# 13863-31-5]

Identification

• Classification: Catalysts and additives >> Fluorescent whitening agent
• Name: Tinopal 5BM
• Synonyms: disodium 5-[[4-anilino-6-[2-hydroxyethyl(methyl)amino]-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]-2-[(E)-2-[4-[[4-anilino-6-[2-hydroxyethyl(methyl)amino]-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]-2-sulfonatophenyl]ethenyl]benzenesulfonate
• Molecular Formula: C₃₈H₃₈N₁₂Na₂O₈S₂
• Molecular Weight: 900.89
• CAS Registry Number: 13863-31-5
• EC Number: 237-600-9
• SMILES: CN(CCO)C1=NC(=NC(=N1)NC2=CC(=C(C=C2)/C=C/C3=C(C=C(C=C3)NC4=NC(=NC(=N4)NC5=CC=CC=C5)N(C)CCO)S(=O)(=O)[O-])S(=O)(=O)[O-])NC6=CC=CC=C6.[Na+].[Na+]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P280-P305+P351+P338

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412

Discovery and Applications

Tinopal 5BM is a type of optical brightener, also known as a fluorescent whitening agent, widely used in various industries to enhance the appearance of materials by making them look whiter and brighter. These agents work by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) light and re-emitting it as visible blue light, which compensates for yellowish tones and gives materials a brighter, cleaner appearance. The discovery and development of Tinopal 5BM, like other optical brighteners, emerged from the mid-20th century advancements in chemistry, as researchers sought to create materials that improved the aesthetics of textiles, paper, and plastics.

Tinopal 5BM is classified as a stilbene derivative, which is one of the most commonly used chemical structures in optical brighteners. Its effectiveness as a brightener comes from its strong fluorescent properties and its ability to bind to various surfaces. The substance was developed to be particularly effective in the textile industry, where it is applied during the washing and finishing processes of fabrics. By attaching to the fibers, Tinopal 5BM enhances the appearance of natural and synthetic textiles, making them appear more vibrant under natural and artificial light.

In addition to its use in the textile industry, Tinopal 5BM is widely utilized in detergents and laundry products. When incorporated into washing powders and liquids, it adheres to fabric during the wash cycle, maintaining the brightness of clothes even after repeated washing. This property has made it a popular ingredient in household cleaning products, where its long-lasting effects on fabric brightness are valued by consumers.

Tinopal 5BM also finds applications in the paper industry. It is often added to paper products to improve their whiteness, giving them a more appealing, high-quality appearance. Similarly, it is used in the manufacturing of certain plastics and coatings, where it enhances the visual appeal by offsetting any yellowish discoloration.

References

1977. Forensic Significance of Fluorescent Brighteners: Their Qualitative TLC Characterisation in Small Quantities of Fibre and Detergents. Journal of the Forensic Science Society.
DOI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/632790

1992. Molecular topology/fragment contribution method for predicting soil sorption coefficients. Environmental Science & Technology.
DOI: 10.1021/es00032a011

1976. Lack of mutagenic activity in Salmonella typhimurium of four optical brighteners. Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology.
DOI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/778609