Product Name
2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol, 98%
Molecular Formula
C11H17NO2
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Synonyms
N,N-Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-toluidine
Product Introduction
2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol is a hydroxy-functional tertiary aromatic amine derived from p-toluidine and containing two 2-hydroxyethyl substituents on the nitrogen atom.
The molecule combines:
- A tertiary aromatic amine group
- Two terminal hydroxyl groups
- A para-methyl-substituted phenyl ring
This multifunctional structure allows 2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol to participate in acid-base interactions, catalytic processes, and polymer curing systems.
Its tertiary amine functionality makes it particularly useful as a curing accelerator for epoxy resin systems, while its hydroxyl groups can contribute to compatibility and interaction with resin components.
Mechanism / Principle
2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol primarily functions through the catalytic and basic properties of its tertiary amine group.
In epoxy resin systems, the tertiary amine can promote epoxy ring-opening reactions and accelerate the curing reaction between epoxy groups and curing agents.
The hydroxyl groups can also participate in hydrogen bonding and influence the interaction between the accelerator and polymer matrix.
This combination can contribute to:
- Faster epoxy curing
- Improved curing efficiency
- Enhanced resin compatibility
- Controlled curing behavior
- Development of crosslinked polymer networks
The compound can also function as an activating amine in photopolymerization systems, where tertiary amines may participate in electron-transfer processes with suitable photoinitiators.
Key Research Applications
1. Epoxy Resin Curing Systems
2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol is used as a curing accelerator for epoxy resin systems.
It can promote epoxy curing reactions and is relevant to formulations requiring controlled curing speed and crosslinked polymer formation.
Applications include:
- Epoxy adhesives
- Protective coatings
- Encapsulation materials
- Electronic materials
- Structural epoxy systems
2. Epoxy Adhesives
The tertiary amine functionality of 2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol can accelerate epoxy curing in adhesive formulations.
It is relevant to research on:
- Structural adhesives
- Electronic adhesives
- Industrial bonding systems
- High-performance epoxy adhesives
3. Epoxy Coatings
2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol can be incorporated into epoxy coating formulations as a curing accelerator.
It is useful in research involving:
- Protective coatings
- Industrial coatings
- Chemical-resistant coatings
- Functional surface coatings
4. Photopolymerization Systems
2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol can act as an activating amine in photopolymerization systems.
Its tertiary amine structure allows it to participate in electron-transfer processes with suitable photoinitiators, supporting research into light-curable resin systems.
5. Polymer Materials
2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol is relevant to polymer research involving crosslinked materials and curing systems.
It can be investigated for its effects on:
- Polymer network formation
- Curing kinetics
- Resin compatibility
- Mechanical properties
6. Functional Coatings
The compound can be studied in functional coating systems where amine-assisted curing or polymer modification is required.
7. Specialty Chemical Synthesis
2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol can serve as a functional aromatic amine intermediate in specialty chemical research and molecular design.
Advantages
-
Tertiary amine functionality: Provides effective catalytic activity in epoxy curing systems.
-
Hydroxyl functionality: Two hydroxyethyl groups improve polarity and interaction with resin components.
-
Epoxy curing compatibility: Suitable for epoxy resin curing and accelerator research.
-
Multifunctional structure: Combines amine and hydroxyl functionality in one molecule.
-
Polymer formulation versatility: Applicable to adhesives, coatings, and polymer systems.
-
Photopolymerization relevance: Can function as an activating amine in suitable photoinitiator systems.
-
Broad material applications: Useful in epoxy, polymer, coating, and specialty chemical research.
Storage & Handling
- Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
- Keep the container tightly closed.
- Protect from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
- Store under inert atmosphere when recommended by the supplier.
- Protect from moisture during long-term storage.
- Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and incompatible reactive chemicals.
- Wear appropriate gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection during handling.
- Follow the current SDS and supplier-specific storage recommendations.
TCI and other supplier information indicate storage under appropriate controlled conditions; ChemicalBook lists room-temperature/inert-atmosphere storage and notes moisture sensitivity.
Research Areas
This product can support research, formulation development, and material innovation across the following specific industries:
-
Epoxy Materials – Epoxy resin curing systems, encapsulation materials, protective coatings, and structural epoxy formulations.
-
Adhesives & Sealants – Epoxy adhesives, electronic adhesives, structural bonding systems, and specialty adhesive formulations.
-
Coatings Industry – Protective epoxy coatings, industrial coatings, and chemical-resistant coating systems.
-
Electronic Materials – Epoxy encapsulation, electronic adhesives, and thermosetting resin systems.
-
Polymer Materials – Crosslinked polymers, thermosetting resins, polymer network development, and curing chemistry.
-
Photopolymerization Materials – Activating amines, photoinitiator systems, and light-curable resin research.
-
Specialty Chemicals – Functional aromatic amine intermediates and custom chemical synthesis.
-
Fine Chemical Research – Organic synthesis and functional molecule development.
Q1. What is 2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol?
2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol is a tertiary aromatic amine containing two hydroxyethyl groups and a para-methyl-substituted phenyl group.
Q2. What is the main application of 2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol?
It is mainly used as a curing accelerator for epoxy resin systems and as a functional amine in polymer and specialty chemical research.
Q3. Is 2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol used in epoxy resin systems?
Yes. It is used as a curing accelerator for epoxy resins and is relevant to epoxy adhesives, coatings, and other thermosetting materials.
Q4. Can 2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol be used in photopolymerization?
Yes. Its tertiary amine functionality allows it to act as an activating amine in suitable photopolymerization systems.
Q5. What functional groups does 2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol contain?
It contains one tertiary aromatic amine and two hydroxyethyl groups.
Q6. Is 2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol a solid or liquid?
Its physical appearance can vary with temperature. Its reported melting point is approximately 49–53 °C, so it may appear as a solid or liquid depending on storage conditions.
Q7. How should 2,2'-(p-Tolylimino)diethanol be stored?
Store it tightly sealed in a cool, dry environment and follow supplier recommendations regarding inert atmosphere and moisture protection.