Polyether polyol molecular formula and typical chemical structure

Polyether polyol is an important chemical product, which is widely used in polyurethane, coatings, adhesives and other fields. In this paper, the molecular formula of polyether polyol and its typical chemical structure will be discussed in detail.

Polyether polyol basic concept

Polyether polyols (Polyether Polyols) are compounds formed by the polymerization of polyols. They contain multiple hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups and contain ether linkages (-O-) in the molecule. These hydroxyl groups are the key to react with isocyanates and are used to synthesize polyurethane materials. The molecular structure of polyether polyol determines its chemical properties and application performance.

Polyether polyol molecular formula

Polyether polyols can be represented by the formula HO-R-O-R-O-, where R represents an organic group. The particular formula depends on the starting polyol used and the degree of polymerization. For example:

• 1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BDO) after epoxidation and ring-opening reaction, can produce polytetramethylene ether polyol, its molecular formula is C4H10O3.
• Sorbitol (Sorbitol) after polymerization, you can get the molecular formula C6H14O7 polysorbitol.

typical chemical structural analysis

The chemical structural formula of the polyether polyol shows the distribution of hydroxyl groups and ether bonds in its molecule. The following are some typical structural formulas of polyether polyols:

1. Polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG): The structural formula is HO-CH2CH2-O-CH2CH2-O-CH2CH2-OH. This is a common binary polyether polyol, molecular formula C4H10O3.

2. Polypropylene glycol (PPG): The structural formula is HO-CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH2-O-.... PPG is a ternary or quaternary polyether polyol whose molecular formula varies depending on the degree of polymerization.

3. Polyethylene glycol (PEG): Although not a polyether, it has the structural formula HO-CH2-CH2-O-CH2-CH2-O-and is another common polyhydroxy compound.

Polyether polyol preparation method

Polyether polyols are typically prepared by ring-opening polymerization. For example, 1,4-butanediol and ethylene oxide undergo ring-opening polymerization in the presence of a basic catalyst to obtain a polytetramethylene ether polyol. This method of preparation determines its molecular formula and structural formula.

Application field

Polyether polyols are widely used in polyurethane production. The performance of polyurethane materials depends on the molecular formula and structural formula of the polyol, such as flexible foam, rigid foam, elastomer and coating applications.

Conclusion

The molecular formula and chemical structure of polyether polyols are essential to understand their chemical properties and application properties. Polyether polyols of different molecular and structural formulas are suitable for different chemical reactions and product formulations. By studying and optimizing the molecular formula, polyurethane materials with better performance can be developed.

The molecular formula and typical chemical structure of polyether polyol are the basis of its wide application in the chemical industry, and this field will continue to develop with the progress of technology in the future.