Comparing the Catalytic Efficiency of Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether (CAS 83016-70-0) with Other Balanced Amine Catalysts
In the vast and intricate world of polyurethane chemistry, catalysts are like the conductors of an orchestra — they don’t play every instrument, but their role is crucial in ensuring that each reaction hits the right note at the right time. Among the many types of catalysts used in this field, amine-based catalysts hold a special place due to their versatility and efficiency in promoting both gelling and blowing reactions.
One such compound that has garnered attention in recent years is Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether, commonly known by its CAS number 83016-70-0. This article aims to delve into the catalytic performance of this unique amine compound and compare it with other well-known balanced amine catalysts currently used in industrial applications.
We’ll explore its chemical structure, physical properties, reactivity profile, application scope, and — most importantly — how it stacks up against competitors like DABCO BL-11, Polycat SA-1, and TEDA-L2. So, buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a journey through the molecular forest of polyurethane catalysis 🌲🔬.
What Exactly Is Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether?
Before we get too deep into comparisons, let’s take a moment to understand what exactly we’re dealing with here.
Chemical Structure and Molecular Weight
As the name suggests, Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether is a tertiary amine compound featuring three methylhydroxyethyl groups attached to a bisaminoethyl ether backbone. Its IUPAC name might be a mouthful, but its structure offers some fascinating insights into its reactivity.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₁₇H₃₇N₃O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | ~347.5 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow liquid |
| Odor | Slight amine odor |
| Viscosity @25°C | ~25–35 mPa·s |
| pH (1% solution in water) | ~9.5–10.5 |
This compound is typically used as a balanced catalyst in rigid and semi-rigid polyurethane foam formulations. Its dual functionality allows it to promote both urethane (gelling) and urea (blowing) reactions, making it ideal for systems where timing and control are key.
Role of Amine Catalysts in Polyurethane Foaming
Polyurethane foams are formed through the reaction between polyols and isocyanates. The two main reactions involved are:
- Urethane Reaction: Between hydroxyl (-OH) groups and isocyanate (-NCO) groups → forms urethane linkages.
- Blowing Reaction: Between water and isocyanate → produces CO₂ gas, which causes the foam to expand.
Different catalysts can be tailored to favor one or both of these reactions. That’s where the concept of “balanced” amine catalysts comes in — they aim to provide optimal control over both gelation and blowing processes.
How Does Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether Compare?
Now that we’ve laid the groundwork, let’s dive into how this particular catalyst performs when pitted against others. We’ll look at several key factors: reactivity, balance index, foam quality, odor profile, and cost-effectiveness.
1. Reactivity Profile
The reactivity of an amine catalyst is often determined by its basicity and steric hindrance. Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether strikes a good middle ground — it’s not overly aggressive like strong tertiary amines (e.g., DABCO), nor is it sluggish like hindered ones (e.g., certain delayed-action catalysts).
Let’s take a look at a side-by-side comparison:
| Catalyst | Urethane Activity | Blowing Activity | Balance Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether | High | Medium-High | 0.7 | Good overall balance |
| DABCO BL-11 | Very High | Low | 0.2 | Strong gelling, poor blowing |
| Polycat SA-1 | Medium | Medium | 0.5 | Delayed action, stable rise |
| TEDA-L2 | High | High | 0.8 | Fast-reacting, needs careful dosing |
| A-1 (DMEA derivative) | Medium-High | Medium | 0.6 | Common in flexible foams |
Balance Index = Blowing Activity / Total Activity (higher = more blowing emphasis)
From this table, you can see that Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether sits comfortably in the middle, offering decent speed without sacrificing control. It’s particularly useful in applications where both skin formation and internal expansion need to be finely tuned — think rigid insulation panels or automotive seating.
2. Foam Quality and Surface Finish
Foam quality is often judged by cell structure, density, surface smoothness, and dimensional stability. Too fast a catalyst can lead to collapsed cells or uneven surfaces; too slow, and you end up with underdeveloped foam.
Studies conducted by Chinese researchers at the Shanghai Institute of Applied Chemistry (2020) found that using Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether resulted in finer, more uniform cell structures compared to formulations using TEDA-L2 alone. Additionally, the foam exhibited better dimensional stability after demolding.
Here’s a quick summary from their findings:
| Foam Parameter | With Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether | With TEDA-L2 |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cell Size | 0.25 mm | 0.35 mm |
| Density (kg/m³) | 38 | 40 |
| Shrinkage (%) | 1.2 | 2.5 |
| Surface Smoothness | Excellent | Slightly cracked edges |
So while TEDA-L2 gives a faster rise, the trade-off can sometimes be in foam integrity — something that the more balanced approach of our featured catalyst seems to mitigate.
3. Odor and VOC Emissions
A common issue with many amine catalysts is their tendency to produce unpleasant odors or contribute to volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. This is especially important in indoor applications like furniture or vehicle interiors.
According to data from the European Polyurethane Association (PU Europe, 2021), Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether scored relatively low on odor intensity tests compared to traditional aliphatic amines like DABCO and DMEA.
| Catalyst | Odor Intensity (scale 1–5) | VOC Level (μg/g foam) |
|---|---|---|
| Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether | 2 | 80 |
| DABCO BL-11 | 4 | 150 |
| Polycat SA-1 | 2.5 | 90 |
| TEDA-L2 | 3 | 110 |
| A-1 | 3.5 | 130 |
This makes it a compelling choice for applications where indoor air quality is a concern — a growing trend in green building standards and automotive design.
4. Cost and Availability
While performance is critical, let’s not forget the elephant in the room: cost. In today’s competitive market, even a slightly better-performing catalyst may not make the cut if it breaks the bank.
Based on industry price surveys (2023) from China, Germany, and the US:
| Catalyst | Approximate Price (USD/kg) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether | $18–22 | Moderate |
| DABCO BL-11 | $15–18 | High |
| Polycat SA-1 | $20–25 | Moderate |
| TEDA-L2 | $14–17 | High |
| A-1 | $12–15 | High |
Although Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether isn’t the cheapest option out there, its balanced performance and lower odor/VOC footprint make it a cost-effective solution in high-end applications where performance justifies the premium.
Applications Where This Catalyst Shines
Every catalyst has its sweet spot, and knowing where your tool fits best is key to maximizing its value.
Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether is particularly effective in:
- Rigid polyurethane foams (insulation panels, refrigerators)
- Semi-rigid automotive components (dashboards, door linings)
- Spray foam insulation
- Casting systems requiring controlled rise time
It also plays well with other catalysts — for example, blending it with small amounts of DABCO or Polycat SA-1 can yield excellent results in complex foam systems where multiple stages of curing are desired.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
With increasing regulatory pressure on chemical use, especially in consumer-facing industries, safety and environmental impact are top priorities.
According to the REACH regulation database (2023) and MSDS sheets provided by major suppliers:
| Aspect | Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether |
|---|---|
| LD50 (oral, rat) | >2000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Skin Irritation | Mild |
| Eye Contact | May cause irritation |
| Flammability | Non-flammable |
| Biodegradability | Moderate |
| REACH Registration Status | Registered |
These figures suggest that the compound is relatively safe when handled properly. Still, as with all chemicals, proper PPE and ventilation are recommended during handling.
Case Study: Use in Rigid Insulation Panels
To illustrate the real-world benefits of this catalyst, let’s take a look at a case study conducted by a major German insulation manufacturer in 2022.
They were facing issues with inconsistent foam rise and surface defects when using TEDA-L2 in their rigid polyurethane panel production line. After switching to a blend containing 0.3 phr (parts per hundred resin) of Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether and 0.2 phr of DABCO BL-11, they observed:
- Improved surface finish (no orange peel effect)
- More consistent foam density
- Reduced post-demolding shrinkage
- Lower VOC emissions in final product
This combination allowed them to maintain fast throughput while improving product quality — a win-win scenario.
Comparative Summary Table
To wrap up our comparative analysis, here’s a concise summary of how Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether stacks up across various parameters:
| Feature | Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether | DABCO BL-11 | Polycat SA-1 | TEDA-L2 | A-1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gelling Power | High | Very High | Medium | High | Medium-High |
| Blowing Power | Medium-High | Low | Medium | High | Medium |
| Balance Index | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0.6 |
| Odor | Low | High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate-High |
| VOC Emission | Low | High | Moderate | Moderate-High | High |
| Foam Quality | Excellent | Variable | Stable | Fast but less uniform | Acceptable |
| Cost | Moderate | Low | High | Low | Low |
| Application Suitability | Rigid/semi-rigid foams | Flexible/rigid | Delayed systems | Fast-rise foams | General purpose |
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Fit
In the ever-evolving landscape of polyurethane formulation, choosing the right catalyst is akin to selecting the perfect spice for a dish — it can elevate the whole experience or ruin it entirely. While Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether may not be the fastest or cheapest catalyst available, its balanced performance, low odor, and improved foam quality make it a strong contender in high-performance and environmentally conscious applications.
Ultimately, the choice of catalyst depends on the specific needs of the system — whether it’s speed, foam structure, odor reduction, or regulatory compliance. But for those looking for a reliable, mid-range performer with a touch of finesse, this compound might just be the hidden gem they didn’t know they needed.
References
-
Zhang, L., Chen, H., & Wang, Y. (2020). Evaluation of Amine Catalysts in Polyurethane Foam Formulations. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(18), 48521–48530.
-
European Polyurethane Association (PU Europe). (2021). Best Practices in Catalyst Selection for Indoor Applications. Brussels: PU Europe Publications.
-
Müller, T., & Becker, F. (2022). Advanced Catalyst Systems for Rigid Polyurethane Foams. Polymer Engineering & Science, 62(3), 601–612.
-
State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University. (2021). Odor and VOC Analysis of Commercial Amine Catalysts. Beijing: SKLCE Technical Report Series No. 21-09.
-
REACH Regulation Database. (2023). Chemical Safety Assessment for Tri(methylhydroxyethyl)bisaminoethyl Ether. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
-
BASF Technical Data Sheet. (2023). Balanced Amine Catalysts for Polyurethane Foams. Ludwigshafen: BASF SE.
-
Dow Chemical Company. (2022). Formulating with Controlled-Rise Catalysts. Midland: Dow Polyurethanes Division.
So, dear reader, whether you’re formulating foam for a spacecraft or a sofa, remember: the right catalyst can make all the difference. And who knows — maybe the next great innovation in polyurethane chemistry will start with a humble bottle labeled “CAS 83016-70-0” 🧪🧪.
Stay curious, stay catalytic! 🔬✨
Sales Contact：sales@newtopchem.com
Comments