3,3',4,4'-Biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride
[CAS# 2420-87-3]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Carboxylic anhydride
• Name: 3,3',4,4'-Biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride
• Synonyms: 5-(1,3-dioxo-2-benzofuran-5-yl)-2-benzofuran-1,3-dione
• Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₆O₆
• Molecular Weight: 294.22
• CAS Registry Number: 2420-87-3
• EC Number: 219-342-9
• SMILES: C1=CC2=C(C=C1C3=CC4=C(C=C3)C(=O)OC4=O)C(=O)OC2=O

Properties

• Melting point: 299-305 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315

Discovery and Applications

3,3',4,4'-Biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) is a high-performance chemical compound first synthesized in the mid-20th century during research aimed at developing advanced polymers. The compound, characterized by its aromatic structure and carboxylic acid anhydride groups, was discovered as scientists sought materials with superior thermal stability and mechanical properties. With the molecular formula C16H6O6, BPDA consists of two benzene rings connected by a single bond, each bearing two carboxylic anhydride groups. This discovery marked a significant milestone in polymer chemistry, enabling the creation of robust materials suitable for demanding applications.

BPDA is primarily used as a monomer in the production of polyimides, which are renowned for their high thermal and chemical stability. These polymers are synthesized through the polymerization of BPDA with diamines, resulting in materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and harsh chemical environments, such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics.

In the electronics industry, BPDA-based polyimides are utilized as insulating films, substrates, and dielectrics. Their outstanding electrical properties and thermal stability make them ideal for use in flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs), insulating layers in semiconductors, and protective coatings for various electronic components.

The aerospace industry benefits from BPDA-based polyimides for their lightweight, durable, and heat-resistant properties. These materials are used in the construction of composite structures, thermal insulation, and adhesive bonds that must endure the rigorous demands of aerospace environments. Their ability to perform reliably at both high and low temperatures makes them essential for components in aircraft, satellites, and spacecraft.

BPDA-derived polyimides are also crucial in the automotive sector, where they are used to manufacture components requiring high thermal and chemical resistance, such as gaskets, seals, and insulation materials.

Beyond aerospace and automotive uses, BPDA-based polyimides are employed in various industrial applications. They serve as coatings for chemical processing equipment, membranes for gas separation, and high-strength fibers for industrial textiles.

References

2024. Crosslinked Colorless Polyimide Films via Oxazole Groups as Crosslinking Agent: Preparation and Properties. *Chinese Journal of Polymer Science*, 42(11).
DOI: 10.1007/s10118-024-3235-0

2023. Development of polyimide aerogel stock shapes through polyimide aerogel particles. *Journal of Porous Materials*, 30(6).
DOI: 10.1007/s10934-023-01489-1

2021. Synthesis of pH-responsive polyimide hydrogel from bioderived amino acid. *Polymer Journal*, 53(10).
DOI: 10.1038/s41428-021-00509-8