Trimethylolpropane

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Chemical Name and Synonyms: 2-Ethyl-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)propane.

Abbreviation: TMP

Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₄O₃

Molecular Weight: 134.18

CAS Number: 77-99-6

EINECS Number: 201-074-9

Structural Formula:

Physicochemical Properties:

It is a white solid at room temperature, miscible with water, ethanol, and glycerol in any proportion; soluble in acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, dioxane, and cyclohexanone; slightly soluble in dichloromethane and diethyl ether; insoluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons. It has strong hygroscopic properties.

TMP is practically non-toxic to animals. The acute oral LD₅₀ in rats is 14.1–14.7 g/kg.

Properties and Applications:

TMP molecules have three hydroxymethyl groups attached to the same carbon atom, forming a neopentyl hydroxyl triol, which can improve the chemical resistance and heat resistance of resins.

Trimethylolpropane (TMP) is a widely used organic chemical intermediate, mainly used as a raw material for polyurethane resins, alkyd resins, and high-grade coatings. It is also an important intermediate for other resins and organic compounds. It is estimated that 3/4 of TMP is used in the manufacture of polyurethane and alkyd coatings to meet requirements for hardness, gloss, and durability.

In the polyurethane field, it can be used to synthesize curing agents for polyurethane paints and adhesives, such as TDI-TMP adduct polyisocyanates; to synthesize branched polyester polyols for polyurethane coatings, polyurethane synthetic leather, and elastomers; as an initiator for the synthesis of polyether polyols for the production of polyurethane foams; and as a crosslinking agent for polyurethane elastomers and microporous polyurethane foams.