Neopentyl Glycol

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Abbreviation: NPG, NEO.

Chemical Name: 2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-propanediol.

Synonyms: Pentaerythritol.

Molecular Formula: C5H12O2

Molecular Weight: 104.15

CAS Number: 126-30-7

EINECS Number: 204-781-0

Structural Formula:

Physicochemical Properties

Typically a white, flaky crystalline solid, easily hygroscopic and deliquescent.

Neopentyl glycol is soluble in water, cold ethanol, diethyl ether, acetone, and hot butyl acetate and toluene. Its solubility in toluene and xylene at 20℃ is only 0.5%.

Properties and Uses

Due to the introduction of the neopentyl group and the presence of a side methyl group in the neopentyl glycol molecule, the synthesized resin possesses excellent thermal stability, acid and alkali resistance, hydrolysis resistance, weather resistance, and a balance of hardness and softness.

Neopentyl glycol is primarily used in the polyurethane industry to produce polyester polyols. These polyester polyols are mainly used in non-foamed polyurethanes, such as thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyurethane coatings, cast elastomers, and adhesives. Polyurethanes containing neopentyl glycol exhibit excellent hydrolytic stability, low glass transition temperature, low melting point, excellent thermal and UV stability, chemical resistance, and low-temperature flexibility.

In addition, neopentyl glycol is used to produce unsaturated polyesters, saturated polyesters, and oil-free alkyd resins, which are widely used in coatings, insulation materials, printing inks, and other industries. It is also used in the synthesis of low-temperature plasticizers, high-grade lubricants, UV-curable coating crosslinking agents, and halogenated flame retardants.

Toxicity

Neopentyl glycol is virtually non-toxic. The acute oral LD₅₀ in rats is 3.2–12.8 g/kg.