Ethoxylated Bisphenol A
[CAS# 32492-61-8]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Phenols
• Name: Ethoxylated Bisphenol A
• Synonyms: Bisphenol A ethoxylate
• Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₁₆O₂^.(C₂H₄O)_n
• Molecular Weight: ~492
• CAS Registry Number: 32492-61-8
• EC Number: 500-082-2
• SMILES: OCCO.CC(C)(c1ccc(O)cc1)c2ccc(O)cc2

Properties

• Density: 1.14 g/mL (25 ºC) (Expl.)
• Flash point: 205 ºC (Expl.)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Precautionary Statements: P261-P264-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P312-P321-P332+P313-P337+P313-P362-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317

Discovory and Applicatios

Ethoxylated Bisphenol A is a chemical compound derived from Bisphenol A (BPA) through a process called ethoxylation, which involves the addition of ethylene oxide units to the BPA molecule. This modification introduces polyether chains, resulting in a series of nonionic surfactants that vary in the number of ethoxy groups attached. The structure of ethoxylated Bisphenol A generally consists of the BPA core linked to flexible polyether chains, enhancing its solubility and surface-active properties.

Bisphenol A itself was first synthesized in the late 19th century and later became widely used as a monomer for producing polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. However, due to concerns regarding the toxicity and environmental persistence of BPA, derivatives like ethoxylated Bisphenol A have gained attention for their application in various industrial processes, particularly as surfactants, emulsifiers, and dispersing agents.

The ethoxylation process typically involves reacting BPA with ethylene oxide under controlled conditions, leading to the formation of compounds with varying degrees of ethoxylation. The resulting ethoxylated products exhibit enhanced hydrophilicity compared to BPA, making them valuable in formulations requiring surface activity, such as detergents, cleaners, and personal care products.

In industrial applications, ethoxylated Bisphenol A functions primarily as a surfactant. Its amphiphilic nature allows it to reduce surface tension between substances, aiding in emulsification, wetting, and dispersion. This property is utilized in the manufacturing of paints, coatings, textiles, and agrochemicals, where effective mixing of water and oil phases is essential.

The compound is also used as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals. Its reactive ethoxylated chains enable further chemical modifications, allowing manufacturers to tailor surfactants and additives with specific properties suited for targeted applications. The ability to control the degree of ethoxylation provides flexibility in designing molecules with desired hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), which is critical for performance in various formulations.

Despite its widespread use, ethoxylated Bisphenol A has attracted scrutiny due to concerns related to its biodegradability and potential environmental impact. Like BPA, its derivatives may pose risks as endocrine disruptors, leading to regulatory assessments and efforts to develop safer alternatives or improved manufacturing methods to minimize environmental release.

Research and development continue to focus on optimizing ethoxylated Bisphenol A derivatives to balance performance with safety and environmental compatibility. This includes studying their degradation pathways, toxicological profiles, and potential for bioaccumulation.

In summary, ethoxylated Bisphenol A is an important industrial chemical derived from BPA through ethoxylation, enhancing its utility as a surfactant and emulsifier across diverse applications. Its role in facilitating effective mixing of incompatible phases makes it valuable in multiple manufacturing sectors, although ongoing attention to its environmental and health impacts guides its responsible use and development.