Di-tert-Butylphenol: CAS 2082-79-3 and 88-18-6, Properties, Applications and MTBE

Alkylated phenols are a class of industrial chemicals whose combination of antioxidant, surfactant, and chemical intermediate properties makes the option indispensable in lubricant formulation, polymer stabilisation, and the synthesis of more complex chemical products. Among the most commercially important members of this class are 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (CAS 2082-79-3) and 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (CAS 88-18-6), two isomers of di-tert-butylphenol that differ in the position of the tert-butyl substituents relative to the hydroxyl group and consequently in the chemical reactivity, physical properties, and industrial applications. Understanding these compounds, alongside the related chemical MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether), helps chemists and procurement teams source and specify the correct isomer for the application.

What is 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol and what are its properties?

2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (DTBP, CAS 2082-79-3) is a white crystalline solid with a melting point of approximately 56 to 57 degrees Celsius and a molecular weight of 206.32 g/mol. It is produced by the alkylation of phenol with isobutylene in the presence of an acid catalyst, with the 2,4-isomer being a significant by-product or primary product depending on the reaction conditions.

Key properties and applications of 2 4 di tert butylphenol:

  • Antioxidant precursor: the compound is an intermediate in the synthesis of hindered phenol antioxidants used in lubricating oils, polymers, and fuels. The tert-butyl groups on the 2 and 4 positions provide steric protection to the phenolic OH group, making the molecule an effective hydrogen donor in free radical chain-breaking antioxidant mechanisms

  • Chemical intermediate: used in the synthesis of phosphite antioxidants, UV stabilisers, and other specialty chemicals where the 2,4-DTBP skeleton provides the phenolic building block

  • Emulsifier component: alkylphenol ethoxylates produced from 2,4-DTBP have industrial emulsifier applications, though regulatory pressure in Europe has restricted some alkylphenol ethoxylate uses due to endocrine disruption concerns

What is 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol and how does it differ?

2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (CAS 88-18-6) is a white solid with a melting point of approximately 37 degrees Celsius and a molecular weight of 206.32 g/mol. The 2,6-isomer has the tert-butyl groups in the ortho positions on both sides of the hydroxyl, providing maximum steric hindrance at the phenolic centre. This structural feature makes 2,6-DTBP the preferred starting material for highly hindered phenol antioxidants.

The key applications of 2 6 di tert butylphenol (CAS 88-18-6) include:

  • Precursor to BHT: 2,6-DTBP is the intermediate in the synthesis of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol), one of the most widely used antioxidants in food, cosmetics, lubricants, and polymer processing

  • Phenolic antioxidant synthesis: the 2,6-substitution pattern of this isomer is the preferred starting point for the synthesis of sterically hindered phenol antioxidants for lubricant formulation and polymer stabilisation, where the ortho blocking of both positions maximises the antioxidant efficiency per molecule

  • Chemical research and synthesis: used in academic and industrial research as a model compound for the study of phenolic antioxidant mechanisms

What is MTBE and how is it related to the butylphenol chemistry?

MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether, CAS 1634-04-4) is a chemical compound produced from methanol and isobutylene, the same isobutylene feedstock used in the alkylation reactions that produce di-tert-butylphenols. MTBE's primary commercial application is as a fuel oxygenate and octane booster in petrol (gasoline), where it replaced leaded additives in many markets during the transition to unleaded fuel. The connection between MTBE and the butylphenol chemistry is the shared isobutylene feedstock, which positions companies with isobutylene-based chemistry capabilities to supply both product families.

Vinati Organics is an Indian manufacturer of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (CAS 2082-79-3), ortho-tert-butyl phenol (OTBP), and related alkylated phenol intermediates and specialty chemicals. As a vertically integrated specialty chemical manufacturer with isobutylene-based chemistry at the core of the product portfolio, Vinati Organics supplies alkylated phenol intermediates and MTBE to domestic and international chemical manufacturers, lubricant formulators, and polymer producers.

How does isobutylene availability affect the supply of butylphenol products?

The supply chain for 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (CAS 2082-79-3), 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol (CAS 88-18-6), and related alkylated phenol products is directly linked to the availability and price of the two key raw materials: phenol and isobutylene. Isobutylene availability in India is tied to the operations of petrochemical crackers and refinery C4 streams, and supply tightness at the isobutylene level can affect the production economics of downstream alkylated phenol manufacturers. Phenol prices are linked to the global benzene and cumene value chain, with international trade flows affecting domestic pricing for downstream consumers. Manufacturers like Vinati Organics who have established long-term raw material supply relationships and, in some cases, backward integration toward key feedstocks are better positioned to maintain consistent supply to customers regardless of spot market volatility in the underlying raw material supply chain. The MTBE product additionally links isobutylene to the fuel oxygenate market, creating a demand signal that affects isobutylene allocation between its various downstream uses.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Growing Importance of LNP Formulation in Drug Development

  Advancements in biotechnology have transformed the way modern medicine approaches drug delivery. Among these innovations, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology has emerged as a cornerstone in the development of effective therapeutics, especially in the delivery of mRNA-based drugs. The precision, stability, and efficiency of LNP formulation play a pivotal role in ensuring that the therapeutic payload reaches the intended cells while minimizing side effects. One of the most critical applications of this technology is in the mRNA delivery system. Delivering mRNA molecules into the body presents unique challenges, as these molecules are inherently fragile and susceptible to degradation by enzymes. LNPs act as protective carriers, encapsulating the mRNA to maintain its stability and ensuring its successful entry into target cells. Without optimized LNP formulation, the therapeutic potential of mRNA drugs cannot be fully realized. Why LNP Formulation Matters The success of any mRNA deli...
Read more

HR Payroll Management Solutions: How to Ensure Compliance & Accuracy

  Payroll management is a crucial aspect of any business, ensuring employees receive accurate and timely compensation while complying with legal regulations. Efficient HR payroll management helps organizations avoid penalties, maintain employee satisfaction, and streamline financial operations. However, ensuring compliance and accuracy in payroll can be challenging, especially for businesses in Mumbai, where employment laws are frequently updated.   In this blog, we will explore how businesses can enhance compliance and accuracy in payroll management and why payroll outsourcing companies in Mumbai can be a game-changer .   1. Understanding Payroll Compliance   Payroll compliance refers to adhering to all legal and tax obligations related to employee compensation. In India, payroll laws include statutory deductions like Provident Fund (PF), Employees’ State Insurance (ESI), Professional Tax (PT), and Income Tax (TDS). Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and ...
Read more

Benefits of HVOF coating services for industrial applications

  HVOF spraying in industrial applications has seen significant growth in demand in recent years due to its several advantages over other thermal spray methods. Most industrial companies use the  hvof Coating  method to save costs and quality loss for various industrial applications. Here are some main benefits of coating your parts and components with high-velocity oxygen fuel spraying. Remember that HVOF spraying is the best option for you if you want a coating that doesn’t wear off, more resilient, and lasts longer.   What is HVOF spraying?   HVOF is a thermal spray coating method that uses high-velocity oxygen fuel for spraying metallic, ceramic, or composite materials to a surface using a supersonic gas stream. The material used in  high velocity oxy fuel coating  usually comes as wire or powder.   When the coating material particles hit the target surface, the high velocity of the gas stream causes them to accelerate to such an extent that they deform and fl...
Read more