Neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether (NPGDGE) is an organic chemical in the glycidyl ether family. It is aliphatic and a colorless liquid. It has the formula C11H20O4 and the CAS registry number of 17557-23-2. It has two oxirane groups per molecule. Its principle use is in modifying epoxy resins. It is REACH registered. The IUPAC name is 2-[[2,2-dimethyl-3-(oxiran-2-ylmethoxy)propoxy]methyl]oxirane.
Synthesis Neopentyl glycol and epichlorohydrin are reacted in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst to form a halohydrin. This is followed by washing with sodium hydroxide in dehydrochlorination step. This forms Neopentyl glycol diglycidyl ether. The waste products are water and sodium chloride and excess caustic soda. One of the quality control tests would involve measuring the Epoxy value by determination of the epoxy equivalent weight.
Uses A key use is modifying the viscosity and properties of epoxy resins. As an Epoxy modifier it is classed as an epoxy reactive diluent. which may then be formulated into CASE applications: Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants and Elastomers and composite materials. These uses include cationic polymerization reactions. The use of the diluent does effect mechanical properties and microstructure of epoxy resins. It is also used to synthesize other molecules.
Toxicity NPGDGE toxicity is fairly well understood. It is classed as a skin irritant and skin sensitizer.
See also Epoxide Glycidol
References
Further reading Epoxy resin technology. Paul F. Bruins, Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. New York: Interscience Publishers. 1968. ISBN 0-470-11390-1. OCLC 182890.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) Flick, Ernest W. (1993). Epoxy resins, curing agents, compounds, and modifiers : an industrial guide. Park Ridge, NJ. ISBN 978-0-8155-1708-5. OCLC 915134542.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) Lee, Henry (1967). Handbook of epoxy resins. Kris Neville ([2nd, expanded work] ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-036997-6. OCLC 311631322. "Dow Epoxy Resins" (PDF).
External links Hexion difunctional epoxy diluents Archived 2022-01-27 at the Wayback Machine Denacol epoxy diluent range Aalchem NPGDGE Cargill Reactive diluents

