TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE
Appearance of white crystal or powder, hygroscopic. Soluble in water, ethanol, propanol, glycerol and dimethylformamide.
| Specification of Analysis | Analytical data | Specifications |
| APPEARANCE | WHITE FLAKE SOLID | WHITE FLAKE SOLID |
| TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE(W%) | 99.30 | ≥99.00 |
| HYDROXYL(W%) | 37.78 | ≥37.50 |
| MOISTURE (W%) | 0.028 | ≤0.10 |
| ACID VALUE(W%) | 0.0002 | ≤0.002 |
| MOLTEN COLOR | 10 | ≤15 |
| CRYSTALLIZATION POINT(℃) | 59.5 | ≥59.00 |
Applications of Trimethylolpropane
TMP’s three hydroxyl groups enable high cross-linking density, making it indispensable in diverse chemical and material sectors:
- Alkyd Resins: Primary polyol for oil-modified alkyds in architectural paints, varnishes, and printing inks, providing gloss retention and flexibility in high-solids formulations.
- Polyurethanes: Used in flexible foams, coatings, and adhesives, enhancing mechanical strength and hydrolysis resistance for automotive and furniture applications.
- Synthetic Lubricants: Esterified with acids to produce neopentyl polyol esters, offering low volatility and high thermal stability in aviation and compressor oils.
- Radiation-Curable Coatings: Incorporated into acrylate oligomers for UV-curable inks and overprint varnishes, enabling rapid curing and scratch resistance.
- Personal Care and Cosmetics: Serves as a moisturizer and emollient in lotions and hair conditioners, improving spreadability and skin feel.
- Sustainable Polymers: Supports bio-based polyesters and recycled resin systems, reducing petroleum dependency in eco-labeled products.
With annual global demand surpassing 300,000 tons, trimethylolpropane drives advancements in low-VOC coatings and high-performance lubricants.
Why Choose Aozun Chem’s Trimethylolpropane?
- Uncompromised Purity: Exceeds ISO 9001 and REACH standards, with <0.1% water content to prevent esterification inconsistencies.
- Cost-Optimized Volumes: Competitive pricing for bulk orders, with assured supply for seasonal manufacturing peaks.
- Efficient Global Delivery: Streamlined shipping to Asia, Europe, and North America, with MOQs from 1 MT.
- Formulation Guidance: Technical expertise on hydroxyl value optimization and compatibility testing for your specific resins.
- Eco-Conscious Production: Low-energy hydrogenation processes compliant with RoHS, minimizing emissions and supporting circular polyol recycling.
Partner with Aozun Chem’s trimethylolpropane to elevate your polymer innovations with precision and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is trimethylolpropane, and what makes it unique as a polyol?
Trimethylolpropane (TMP, (CH₃CH₂C(CH₂OH)₃) is a neopentane-based triol distinguished by its highly branched structure, which provides steric hindrance for enhanced thermal and oxidative stability compared to linear glycols. This uniqueness enables denser cross-linking in resins, yielding coatings with up to 30% better flexibility and weather resistance.
How is trimethylolpropane produced?
It is primarily manufactured through a two-step process: aldol condensation of propionaldehyde with formaldehyde to form 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)butanal, followed by catalytic hydrogenation to reduce the aldehyde group. This yields >95% TMP with high selectivity, often using Raney nickel catalysts in modern plants.
What safety precautions should be followed when handling trimethylolpropane?
TMP is non-toxic and non-flammable (flash point >150°C) but can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory systems upon prolonged exposure; use PPE and ensure ventilation. It is stable under normal conditions but avoid strong oxidizers—oral LD50 exceeds 10,000 mg/kg in rats, classifying it as low hazard per GHS.
Is trimethylolpropane suitable for food-contact or cosmetic applications?
Yes, in purified forms (≥99.5% purity), it complies with FDA 21 CFR 175.300 for indirect food contact in resins and EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 as a safe humectant. Residual formaldehyde is controlled below 0.1 ppm for sensitive uses like baby lotions.
What is the shelf life and storage recommendation for trimethylolpropane?
It maintains stability for 24 months when stored in sealed, moisture-proof containers at <40°C to prevent oxidation or caking. Keep away from light and contaminants; nitrogen blanketing extends usability in humid environments.
Can trimethylolpropane be used in bio-based or sustainable formulations?
Certainly—derived from renewable propionaldehyde sources, it enables up to 50% bio-content in alkyds and polyurethanes, supporting certifications like USDA BioPreferred. It’s also recyclable in thermoset systems, reducing waste in eco-coatings.
How does trimethylolpropane compare to pentaerythritol in resin production?
Trimethylolpropane’s propyl branch offers better solubility and lower melting point (58°C vs. 260°C for pentaerythritol), facilitating easier processing in alkyds, while pentaerythritol provides higher functionality for rigid varnishes. TMP excels in flexible, low-VOC paints, holding 60% of the triol polyol market.
Explore our technical datasheets or request a sample to integrate trimethylolpropane into your processes.
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