2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone

Chemical properties

Yellowish clear liquid

The Uses of 2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone

2-Hydroxy-2-benzoylpropane was used as a catalyst in real-time kinetic study of laser-induced polymerization. It is also a photoinitiator.

Synthesis Reference(s)

Tetrahedron Letters, 29, p. 4365, 1988 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(00)80496-7

General Description

2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone is a radical photoinitiator (PI) molecule that can be used in the crosslinking of polymers by the exposure of UV radiation. It can be used in the development of UV curable resins for exterior coating applications.

Hazard

Moderately toxic by ingestion.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Synthesis

KBr in water is added to a solution of 2-methyl-1-phenylpropane-1,2-diol in toluene. Then, TEMPO is added. The reddish suspension is cooled to 0°C. A 12 % sodium hypochlorite solution is added while maintaining the internal temperature at 5°C or lower. The mixture is stirred for 1 h at 0-5°C and then separated for 10 min. Sodium dithionite solution (obtained from 30 g sodium dithionite (85%) and 400 ml of water)is added to the organic phase and stirred at 85°C for 1-2 h. The organic phase is again separated and concentrated (rotavap). The crude product is then subjected to fractional distillation, yielding 2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone as a colorless oil.