Phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide
[CAS# 162881-26-7]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Phosphorous compound
• Name: Phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide
• Synonyms: [phenyl-(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphoryl]-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)methanone
• Molecular Formula: C₂₆H₂₇O₃P
• Molecular Weight: 418.46
• CAS Registry Number: 162881-26-7
• EC Number: 423-340-5
• SMILES: CC1=CC(=C(C(=C1)C)C(=O)P(=O)(C2=CC=CC=C2)C(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3C)C)C)C

Properties

• Melting point: 131-135 ºC

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H317-H413
• Precautionary Statements: P261-P272-P273-P280-P302+P352-P321-P333+P317-P362+P364-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	4	H413
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1A	H317
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318

Discovory and Applicatios

Phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide, commonly known as BAPO, is a photoinitiator that plays a critical role in the field of UV curing technologies. This compound was developed as part of the ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency and versatility of photopolymerization processes, which are essential in various industrial applications. BAPO is notable for its ability to initiate polymerization under ultraviolet (UV) light, making it a vital component in the production of coatings, inks, adhesives, and other materials that require rapid curing.

The discovery of BAPO can be traced back to the advancements in photochemistry, where researchers sought to create photoinitiators that could provide effective curing across a broad range of wavelengths. BAPO's unique chemical structure, featuring a bis(acyl)phosphine oxide core, allows it to absorb UV light efficiently and generate free radicals that initiate polymerization. This ability to absorb UV light at different wavelengths, including the longer wavelengths, gives BAPO an advantage over other photoinitiators, which are typically limited to shorter UV ranges.

BAPO's application extends across several industries, with one of its primary uses being in the production of UV-curable coatings. These coatings are valued for their fast curing times, durability, and environmental benefits, as they often require less energy to cure and emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) compared to traditional solvent-based coatings. BAPO's effectiveness in initiating polymerization ensures that the coatings achieve the desired hardness and resistance properties quickly and efficiently.

In the printing industry, BAPO is used in UV-curable inks, which are applied to various substrates such as paper, plastic, and metal. The use of BAPO in these inks enables rapid drying, which is essential for high-speed printing processes. The cured inks exhibit excellent adhesion, color stability, and resistance to wear, making them suitable for a wide range of printing applications, including packaging, labels, and commercial graphics.

Another significant application of BAPO is in the field of adhesives, particularly in UV-curable adhesives used in electronics, medical devices, and automotive components. These adhesives benefit from BAPO's ability to cure quickly and provide strong, durable bonds. The reliability and performance of the adhesives are crucial in industries where precision and durability are required.

BAPO's versatility also extends to 3D printing, where it is used as a photoinitiator in UV-curable resins. The ability of BAPO to initiate polymerization under different wavelengths allows for the creation of detailed and high-resolution 3D-printed objects. The use of BAPO in 3D printing has contributed to the development of faster and more efficient printing processes, making it a valuable material in the additive manufacturing industry.

Research and development continue to explore new applications for BAPO, particularly in areas where UV curing can be further optimized. The compound's ability to initiate rapid polymerization and its compatibility with a wide range of materials ensure that it will remain a key component in the advancement of UV-curable technologies.