Diphenyl ether

Last updated
Diphenyl ether
Diphenyl oxide.svg
Diphenyl-ether-from-xtal-2004-CM-3D-ellipsoids.png
Diphenyl ether.jpg
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
1,1′-Oxydibenzene [1]
Systematic IUPAC name
Phenoxybenzene
Other names
Oxydibenzene
Diphenyl ether [1]
Diphenyl oxide
1,1′-Oxybisbenzene
Phenoxybenzene [1]
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
1364620
ChEBI
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.002.711 OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
EC Number
  • 202-981-2
165477
PubChem CID
RTECS number
  • KN8970000
UNII
UN number 3077
  • InChI=1S/C12H10O/c1-3-7-11(8-4-1)13-12-9-5-2-6-10-12/h1-10H Yes check.svgY
    Key: USIUVYZYUHIAEV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Yes check.svgY
  • InChI=1/C12H10O/c1-3-7-11(8-4-1)13-12-9-5-2-6-10-12/h1-10H
    Key: USIUVYZYUHIAEV-UHFFFAOYAV
  • O(c1ccccc1)c2ccccc2
Properties
C12H10O
Molar mass 170.211 g·mol−1
AppearanceColorless solid or liquid
Odor geranium-like
Density 1.08 g/cm3 (20 °C) [2]
Melting point 25 to 26 °C (77 to 79 °F; 298 to 299 K)
Boiling point 258.55 °C (497.39 °F; 531.70 K) [3] at 100 kPa (1 bar),
121 °C at 1.34 kPa (10.05 mm Hg)
Insoluble
Vapor pressure 0.02 mmHg (25 °C) [2]
-108.1·10−6 cm3/mol
Hazards
GHS labelling:
GHS-pictogram-exclam.svg GHS-pictogram-pollu.svg
Warning
H319, H400, H411
P264, P273, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313, P391, P501
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
NFPA 704.svgHealth 2: Intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or possible residual injury. E.g. chloroformFlammability 1: Must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. Flash point over 93 °C (200 °F). E.g. canola oilInstability (yellow): no hazard codeSpecial hazards (white): no code
2
1
Flash point 115 °C (239 °F; 388 K)
Explosive limits 0.7%–6.0% [2]
Lethal dose or concentration (LD, LC):
3370 mg/kg (rat, oral)
4000 mg/kg (rat, oral)
4000 mg/kg (guinea pig, oral) [4]
NIOSH (US health exposure limits):
PEL (Permissible)
TWA 1 ppm (7 mg/m3) [2]
REL (Recommended)
TWA 1 ppm (7 mg/m3) [2]
IDLH (Immediate danger)
100 ppm [2]
Safety data sheet (SDS) Aldrich MSDS
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Yes check.svgY  verify  (what is  Yes check.svgYX mark.svgN ?)

Diphenyl ether is the organic compound with the formula (C 6 H 5)2 O. It is a colorless, low-melting solid. This, the simplest diaryl ether, has a variety of niche applications. [5]

Contents

Synthesis and reactions

Diphenyl ether and many of its properties were first reported as early as 1901. [6] It is synthesized by a modification of the Williamson ether synthesis, here the reaction of phenol and bromobenzene in the presence of base and a catalytic amount of copper:

PhOH + PhBr → PhOPh + HBr

Involving similar reactions, diphenyl ether is a significant side product in the high-pressure hydrolysis of chlorobenzene in the production of phenol. [7]

Related compounds are prepared by Ullmann reactions. [8]

The compound undergoes reactions typical of other phenyl rings, including hydroxylation, nitration, halogenation, sulfonation, and Friedel–Crafts alkylation or acylation. [5]

Uses

The main application of diphenyl ether is as a eutectic mixture with biphenyl, used as a heat transfer fluid. Such a mixture is well-suited for heat transfer applications because of the relatively large temperature range of its liquid state. A eutectic mixture (commercially, Dowtherm A) is 73.5% diphenyl ether and 26.5% biphenyl. [9] [10]

Diphenyl ether is a starting material in the production of phenoxathiin via the Ferrario reaction. [11] Phenoxathiin is used in polyamide and polyimide production. [12]

Because of its odor reminiscent of scented geranium, as well as its stability and low price, diphenyl ether is used widely in soap perfumes. Diphenyl ether is also used as a processing aid in the production of polyesters. [5]

It is a component of important hormone T3 or triiodothyronine.

Several polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are useful flame retardants. Of penta-, octa-, and decaBDE, the three most common PBDEs, only decaBDE is still in widespread use since its ban in the European Union in 2003. [13] DecaBDE, also known as decabromodiphenyl oxide, [14] is a high-volume industrial chemical with over 450,000 kilograms produced annually in the United States. Decabromodiphenyl oxide is sold under the trade name Saytex 102 as a flame retardant in the manufacture of paints and reinforced plastics.

Decabromodiphenyl ether.svg

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pentaerythritol</span> Chemical compound

Pentaerythritol is an organic compound with the formula C(CH2OH)4. Classified as a polyol, it is a white solid. Pentaerythritol is a building block for the synthesis and production of explosives, plastics, paints, appliances, cosmetics, and many other commercial products.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tetrahydrofuran</span> Cyclic chemical compound, (CH₂)₄O

Tetrahydrofuran (THF), or oxolane, is an organic compound with the formula (CH2)4O. The compound is classified as heterocyclic compound, specifically a cyclic ether. It is a colorless, water-miscible organic liquid with low viscosity. It is mainly used as a precursor to polymers. Being polar and having a wide liquid range, THF is a versatile solvent.

In organic chemistry, an aryl halide is an aromatic compound in which one or more hydrogen atoms, directly bonded to an aromatic ring are replaced by a halide. The haloarene are different from haloalkanes because they exhibit many differences in methods of preparation and properties. The most important members are the aryl chlorides, but the class of compounds is so broad that there are many derivatives and applications.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs, are a class of organobromine compounds that are used as flame retardants. Like other brominated flame retardants, PBDEs have been used in a wide array of products, including building materials, electronics, furnishings, motor vehicles, airplanes, plastics, polyurethane foams, and textiles. They are structurally akin to polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other polyhalogenated compounds, consisting of two halogenated aromatic rings. PBDEs are classified according to the average number of bromine atoms in the molecule. The life-saving benefits of fire retardants led to their popularization. Standards for mass transit vehicles continues to increase as of 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flame retardant</span> Substance applied to items to slow burning or delay ignition

The term flame retardant subsumes a diverse group of chemicals that are added to manufactured materials, such as plastics and textiles, and surface finishes and coatings. Flame retardants are activated by the presence of an ignition source and prevent or slow the further development of flames by a variety of different physical and chemical mechanisms. They may be added as a copolymer during the polymerisation process, or later added to the polymer at a moulding or extrusion process or applied as a topical finish. Mineral flame retardants are typically additive, while organohalogen and organophosphorus compounds can be either reactive or additive.

In organic chemistry, dihydroxybenzenes (benzenediols) are organic compounds in which two hydroxyl groups are substituted onto a benzene ring. These aromatic compounds are classed as phenols. There are three structural isomers: 1,2-dihydroxybenzene is commonly known as catechol, 1,3-dihydroxybenzene is commonly known as resorcinol, and 1,4-dihydroxybenzene is commonly known as hydroquinone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dimethoxyethane</span> Chemical compound

Dimethoxyethane, also known as glyme, monoglyme, dimethyl glycol, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, dimethyl cellosolve, and DME, is a colorless, aprotic, and liquid ether that is used as a solvent, especially in batteries. Dimethoxyethane is miscible with water.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biphenyl</span> Chemical compound

Biphenyl is an organic compound that forms colorless crystals. Particularly in older literature, compounds containing the functional group consisting of biphenyl less one hydrogen may use the prefixes xenyl or diphenylyl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cyclohexanone</span> Chemical compound

Cyclohexanone is the organic compound with the formula (CH2)5CO. The molecule consists of six-carbon cyclic molecule with a ketone functional group. This colorless oily liquid has a sweet odor reminiscent of benzaldehyde. Over time, samples of cyclohexanone assume a pale yellow color. Cyclohexanone is slightly soluble in water and miscible with common organic solvents. Billions of kilograms are produced annually, mainly as a precursor to nylon.

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are organobromine compounds that have an inhibitory effect on combustion chemistry and tend to reduce the flammability of products containing them. The brominated variety of commercialized chemical flame retardants comprise approximately 19.7% of the market. They are effective in plastics and textile applications like electronics, clothes, and furniture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chlorobenzene</span> Aromatic organochlorine compound

Chlorobenzene is an aryl chloride and the simplest of the chlorobenzenes, consisting of a benzene ring substituted with one chlorine atom. Its chemical formula is C6H5Cl. This colorless, flammable liquid is a common solvent and a widely used intermediate in the manufacture of other chemicals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Methacrylic acid</span> Chemical compound

Methacrylic acid, abbreviated MAA, is an organic compound with the formula CH2=C(CH3)COOH. This colorless, viscous liquid is a carboxylic acid with an acrid unpleasant odor. It is soluble in warm water and miscible with most organic solvents. Methacrylic acid is produced industrially on a large scale as a precursor to its esters, especially methyl methacrylate (MMA), and to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Epichlorohydrin</span> Chemical compound

Epichlorohydrin is an organochlorine compound and an epoxide. Despite its name, it is not a halohydrin. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent, garlic-like odor, moderately soluble in water, but miscible with most polar organic solvents. It is a chiral molecule generally existing as a racemic mixture of right-handed and left-handed enantiomers. Epichlorohydrin is a highly reactive electrophilic compound and is used in the production of glycerol, plastics, epoxy glues and resins, epoxy diluents and elastomers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Decabromodiphenyl ether</span> Chemical compound

Decabromodiphenyl ether is a brominated flame retardant which belongs to the group of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). It was commercialised in the 1970s and was initially thought to be safe, but is now recognised as a hazardous and persistent pollutant. It was added to Annex A of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2017, which means that treaty members must take measures to eliminate its production and use. The plastics industry started switching to decabromodiphenyl ethane as an alternative in the 1990s, but this is now also coming under regulatory pressure due to concerns over human health.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Isophorone</span> Alpha-beta unsaturated cyclic ketone

Isophorone is an α,β-unsaturated cyclic ketone. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic peppermint-like odor, although commercial samples can appear yellowish. Used as a solvent and as a precursor to polymers, it is produced on a large scale industrially.

Pentabromodiphenyl ether is a brominated flame retardant which belongs to the group of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Because of their toxicity and persistence, their industrial production is to be eliminated under the Stockholm Convention, a treaty to control and phase out major persistent organic pollutants (POP).

Octabromodiphenyl ether is a brominated flame retardant which belongs to the group of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).

4,4′-Methylenedianiline (MDA) is an organic compound with the formula CH2(C6H4NH2)2. It is a colorless solid, although commercial samples can appear yellow or brown. It is produced on an industrial scale, mainly as a precursor to polyurethanes.

In organic chemistry, transalkylation is a chemical reaction involving the transfer of an alkyl group from one organic compound to another. The reaction is used for the transfer of methyl and ethyl groups between benzene rings. This is of particular value in the petrochemical industry to manufacture p-xylene, styrene, and other aromatic compounds. Motivation for using transalkylation reactions is based on a difference in production and demand for benzene, toluene, and xylenes. Transalkylation can convert toluene, which is overproduced, into benzene and xylene, which are under-produced. Zeolites are often used as catalysts in transalkylation reactions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phenoxathiin</span> Chemical compound

Phenoxathiin (dibenzooxathiane) C12H8OS is a heterocyclic compound of molecular weight 200.25632 g/mol with the CAS Registry Number 262-20-4.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "CHAPTER P-6. Applications to Specific Classes of Compounds". Nomenclature of Organic Chemistry : IUPAC Recommendations and Preferred Names 2013 (Blue Book). Cambridge: The Royal Society of Chemistry. 2014. p. 705. doi:10.1039/9781849733069-00648. ISBN   978-0-85404-182-4.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. "#0496". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
  3. Byers, Charles H.; Williams, David F. (July 1987). "Viscosities of pure polyaromatic hydrocarbons". Journal of Chemical & Engineering Data. 32 (3): 344–348. doi:10.1021/je00049a018. ISSN   0021-9568.
  4. "Phenyl ether". Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Concentrations (IDLH). National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
  5. 1 2 3 Fiege, H.; Voges, H.-M.; Hamamoto, T; Umemura, S.; Iwata, T.; Miki, H.; Fujita, Y.; Buysch, H.-J.; Garbe, D. (2000). "Phenol Derivatives". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry . Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a19_313. ISBN   978-3527306732.
  6. Cook, A. N. (1901). "Derivatives of Phenylether". Journal of the American Chemical Society . 23 (10): 806–813. doi:10.1021/ja02037a005.
  7. Fahlbusch, K.-G.; Hammerschmidt, F.-J.; Panten, J.; Pickenhagen, W.; Schatkowski, D.; Bauer, K.; Garbe, D.; Surburg, H. (2003). Flavor and Fragrances. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a11_141. ISBN   978-3-527-30673-2.{{cite book}}: |journal= ignored (help)
  8. Ungnade, H. E.; Orwoll, E. F. (1946). "2-Methoxy Diphenyl Ether". Org. Synth. 26: 50. doi:10.15227/orgsyn.026.0050.
  9. Patent Appeal No. 7555 United States Court of Customs and Patent Appeals 7 April 1966 http://openjurist.org/358/f2d/750/application-of-edward-s-blake-and-william-c-hammann
  10. "Dowtherm® A 44570".
  11. Suter, C. M.; Maxwell, C. E. (1943). "Phenoxthin". Organic Syntheses .; Collective Volume, vol. 2, p. 485
  12. Mitsuru Ueoda; Tatsuo Aizawa; Yoshio Imai (1977). "Preparation and properties of polyamides and polyimides containing phenoxathiin units". Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Chemistry Edition. 15 (11): 2739–2747. doi:10.1002/pol.1977.170151119.
  13. DIRECTIVE 2003/11/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council
  14. Sutker, B. J. (2005). "Flame Retardants". Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a11_123. ISBN   978-3-527-30673-2.{{cite book}}: |journal= ignored (help); Missing or empty |title= (help)