Cresyl glycidyl ether

Description

Cresyl glycidyl ether is a reactive diluent added in epoxy res ins of the Bisphenol A type.

Chemical properties

colourless liquid

General Description

Colorless liquid. Sinks and mixes with water.

Air & Water Reactions

Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick, 1979 p.151-154, 164]. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

A phenol and epoxide. Phenols do not behave as organic alcohols, as one might guess from the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group in their structure. Instead, they react as weak organic acids. Phenols and cresols are much weaker as acids than common carboxylic acids (phenol has Ka = 1.3 x 10^[-10]). These materials are incompatible with strong reducing substances such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Flammable gas (H2) is often generated, and the heat of the reaction may ignite the gas. Heat is also generated by the acid-base reaction between phenols and bases. Such heating may initiate polymerization of the organic compound. Phenols are sulfonated very readily (for example, by concentrated sulfuric acid at room temperature). The reactions generate heat. Phenols are also nitrated very rapidly, even by dilute nitric acid. Epoxides are highly reactive. They polymerize in the presence of catalysts or when heated. These polymerization reactions can be violent. Compounds in this group react with acids, bases, and oxidizing and reducing agents. They react, possibly violently with water in the presence of acid and other catalysts.

Health Hazard

Contact with eyes causes irritation. Contact with skin causes primary irritation and allergic sensitization.

Fire Hazard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Wear full body and respiratory protection.

Contact allergens

It is a reactive diluent added in epoxy resins Bisphenol A type.