Keywords
Citation
Bean, J. (2001), "Dicarboxylic dimethylester solvents", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 30 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2001.12930caa.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
Dicarboxylic dimethylester solvents
Dicarboxylic dimethylester solvents
Keywords Solvents, DuPont, Health and safety, Environmentally friendly
Following our "Comment" in issue No. 2 of this volume on the debate concerning the suitability of various suggested replacements for traditional solvents which do not meet non-carcinogenic and ozone depletion requirements (much of the debate was on n-propel bromide), DuPont is now offering dicarboxylic dimethylesters as an alternative to chlorinated and other classified solvents. The properties of DBE are said to combine excellent solvency power with a high level of safety in the workplace and environmental friendliness.
DuPont claims that DBE provides an effective replacement for traditiona1 solvents like methylene chloride, acetone or toluene. The high flash point and the comprehensive toxicity testing of DBE allow a high level of safety: DBE is classified as "non-hazardous" according to all EU criteria, and as "WGK 1" by the German Water Endangering Classification, which is the lowest classification out of three. DuPont claims that in many cases, the high solubility power of DBE leads to improved product properties. This is often in combination with a reduced amount of solvent needed. If drop-in replacement is not possible – because the solubility properties of pure DBE are too different, a reformulation with other safe solvents will usually lead to a reduction of the risk potential and easier handling.
The primary refined ester product is designated DBE – containing the dimethyl esters of glutaric, succinic and adipic acid. These are acids which can be found in nature, which helps to explain why DBE is readily biodegradable. DBE is a clear colourless liquid with a high boiling point, and has a mild odour. The substance is produced from diabasic acids manufactured at DuPont adipic acid plants (adipic acid is a key intermediate for the production of nylon polyamides). It can be fractionated into three mixtures of two components and the three pure esters. DBE and its fractions are readily soluble in alcohols, ketones, ethers and most hydrocarbons, but are only slightly soluble in water and higher paraffinic hydrocarbons.
John Bean