Polytetrahydrofuran, also called poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol or poly(tetramethylene oxide), is a collection of chemical compounds with formula HO(CH2)4O(CH2)4)nOH or HO((CH2)4O-)n-H. The material is a mixture of polyether diols terminated with alcohol groups. It is produced by polymerization of tetrahydrofuran as well as 1,4-butanediol.
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| Names | |
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| Other names
Poly(tetrahydrofuran), PolyTHF, polytetramethylene ether glycol, PTMEG, Terathane
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| Identifiers | |
| ChemSpider |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.131.584 |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
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| Properties | |
| (C4H8O)n | |
| Molar mass | variable |
| Appearance | white, waxy-like |
| Density | 0.982 g/cm3 (30 °C) |
| Melting point | 23 to 28 °C (73 to 82 °F; 296 to 301 K) |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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The product is commercially available as polymers of low average molecular weights, between 250 and 3000 daltons. In this form it is a white waxy solid that melts between 20 and 30 °C. The commercial product can be processed further into polymers with molecular weights of 40,000 and higher.
The product is sold under various trade names including Terathane from Invista[1] and PolyTHF from BASF.[2] The BASF plant in Ludwigshafen at one point was producing 250,000 metric tons per year.[3]
Applications
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The main use of polytetrahydrofuran is to make elastic fibres such as spandex (elastane) for stretchable fabrics[4] and for polyurethane resins. The latter are polyurethane prepolymers dissolved in solvent.[5] They are used in the manufacture of artificial leather. These elastomers are either polyurethanes made by reacting PTMEG with diisocyanates, or polyesters made by reacting PTMEG with diacids or their derivatives.[6]
The polymer is also a starting material for thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyesters, polyetheramide and cast polyurethane elastomers, used for instance in the wheels of roller skates and skateboards.
Synthesis
editPolytetrahydrofuran is commonly prepared by acid-catalyzed polymerization of tetrahydrofuran:[4]
- nC4H8O + H2O → HO(CH2)4[O(CH2)4]n−1OH
Regulation
editPolytetrahyrofuran polyethylene glycol can be controlled for export from the U.S. under the Export Administration Regulations on the Commerce Control List and/or on export control regulations based on the Wassenaar Arrangement (ECCN: 1C111.b.5). Under these regulations export/transfer of the product may require a license or export authorization.
References
edit- ^ "Physical properties for the range of Terathane PTMEG polymers". Archived from the original on 2007-08-25. Retrieved 2007-09-06.
- ^ "BASF Intermediates". Retrieved 2008-08-22.
- ^ "BASF: Global Player and Local Presence". Retrieved 2012-09-07.
- ^ a b Pruckmayr, Gerfried; Dreyfuss, P.; Dreyfuss, M. P. (1996). "Polyethers, Tetrahydrofuran and Oxetane Polymers". Kirk‑Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- ^ Ashford's Dictionary of Industrial Chemicals, third edition, 2011, page 7587
- ^ "Uses of PTMEG polyols". Archived from the original on 2007-08-27. Retrieved 2007-09-06.