High-Purity Solvents, Polyurethane (PU) and Resin

Dipentaerythritol

Dipentaerythritol (DPE), identified by CAS Registry Number 126-58-9, is a high-purity, six-functional polyhydric alcohol. It is a white, free-flowing crystalline powder produced as a co-product during the synthesis of pentaerythritol. Structurally, DPE consists of two pentaerythritol molecules joined by an ether linkage, resulting in a molecular architecture with six primary hydroxyl groups. This hexafunctionality is the defining characteristic of DPE, providing significantly higher reactivity and cross-linking density compared to its tetrafunctional counterpart, monopentaerythritol.

In the chemical industry, DPE serves as a critical building block for high-performance synthetic esters, specialty resins, and sophisticated polymer additives. Its unique molecular structure imparts superior thermal stability, chemical resistance, and mechanical durability to finished products. Due to its high melting point and low volatility, it is particularly valued in applications requiring high processing temperatures or extreme environmental resilience. As a versatile intermediate, DPE is essential in formulating sustainable coatings, high-end lubricants, and advanced flame-retardant systems.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Hexafunctionality: Provides six primary hydroxyl sites, enabling high-density cross-linking and the formation of complex, high-performance branched polymers.
Exceptional Thermal Stability: Exhibits superior resistance to thermal degradation, making it ideal for lubricants and coatings exposed to extreme heat.
Enhanced Durability: Imparts excellent chemical resistance, surface hardness, and weatherability to resins and industrial finishes.
Low Volatility: Its high molecular weight ensures minimal material loss during high-temperature esterification and industrial processing.
Improved Hydrolytic Stability: Esters derived from DPE show increased resistance to moisture and hydrolysis compared to lower-order polyols.
Optimal Color Retention: Contributes to excellent color stability and clarity in clear coats and UV-cured systems.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Chemical Identity: Molecular formula $C_{10}H_{22}O_{7}$ with a molecular weight of 254.28 g/mol.
Hydroxyl Value: Typically maintains a high hydroxyl value between 1300 and 1350 mg KOH/g, indicating high reactive potential.
Melting Profile: Characterized by a high melting point, generally ranging between 215°C and 225°C.
Solubility Characteristics: Exhibits very low solubility in cold water ($<0.5%$ at 25°C), though solubility increases in hot water and polar solvents like glycerol.
Physical Properties: An odorless, non-toxic, white crystalline solid with low hygroscopicity and high purity levels (often $>90%$).
Vapor Pressure: Extremely low vapor pressure at ambient and elevated processing temperatures.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

High-Performance Coatings: Used in the production of high-solids alkyd resins and radiation-curable (UV/EB) acrylate monomers for automotive and industrial finishes.
Synthetic Lubricants: A primary raw material for high-purity polyol esters used in aviation turbine oils and high-temperature industrial lubricants.
Polymer Additives: Functions as a highly effective heat stabilizer for PVC, improving processing windows and preventing thermal discoloration.
Intumescent Flame Retardants: Acts as a vital carbonific (char-forming) agent in fire-retardant coatings, protecting structural steel and timber.
Specialty Esters: Utilized in the synthesis of high-quality plasticizers and cross-linking agents for specialty thermoset plastics and elastomers.