[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, chloromethyl pivalate encyclopedia

Properties of pivalic acid

Pivalic acid (2,2-dimethylpropionic acid, Pivalic Acid) is an organic acid with the chemical formula C5H10O2. Pivalic acid is a colorless crystalline solid with a faint sour taste. It has a melting point of about 34-36°C, a boiling point of 164-165°C, and a relative density of 0.925(20°C). Its solubility in water is low, but it can be dissolved in most organic solvents, such as ethanol, ether, benzene, etc. The molecular structure of pivalic acid contains a trimethyl substituted carbon center, which gives it high stability and low reactivity.

Pivalic acid use

Pivalic acid has a variety of uses in industry and in the laboratory. It is widely used in medicine, pesticides, coatings and spices and other fields. In the field of medicine, pivalic acid and its derivatives can be used in the synthesis of certain drugs, such as antibiotics and antiviral drugs. In the field of pesticides, it is an important intermediate for some herbicides and insecticides. Pivalic acid is also used as a plasticizer in coatings to improve the flexibility and durability of coatings. Because of its unique aroma, pivalic acid is used to modulate certain fragrance products, giving them a unique smell.

Pivalic acid upstream feedstock

The upstream feedstocks for the production of pivalic acid mainly include isobutylene (Isobutylene) and carbon monoxide (Carbon Monoxide). Isobutene is an important petrochemical product, obtained by petroleum cracking or catalytic cracking. Isobutene is carbonylated with carbon monoxide under specific catalyst and reaction conditions to produce pivalic acid. Isobutene can also be oxidized to isobutyraldehyde (Isobutyraldehyde) and then further oxidized to pivalic acid. Another upstream feedstock is trichloroacetic acid, which can be converted to pivalic acid in chlorination and rearrangement reactions.

Pivalic acid downstream products

There are a wide range of downstream products of pivalic acid, covering multiple industries. In the pharmaceutical industry, pivalic acid and its derivatives are used in the production of antibacterial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs and other drugs. In the pesticide industry, pivalic acid derivatives are used as intermediates for the production of highly efficient and low toxic pesticides. Pivalic acid is used as a modifier in the coatings and resin industry to improve product performance and durability. Pivalic acid can also be used in perfumes and cosmetics to give products unique aroma and flavor.

Pivalic Acid Production Process

The main production processes of pivalic acid are carbonylation and oxidation. The carbonylation method is through the reaction of isobutylene and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce pivalic acid. This method has mild reaction conditions and high product yield, and is suitable for large-scale industrial production. The oxidation method is to generate isobutyraldehyde by oxidation of isobutylene, and then further oxidation to generate pivalic acid. This method is simple, but requires control of the oxidation conditions to improve yield and selectivity. There is also a process for the formation of pivalic acid by the rearrangement reaction of trichloroacetic acid, which is mainly used for laboratory-scale synthesis.

Pivalic acid storage method

Since pivalic acid has a lower melting point and volatility, its storage method requires special attention. Pivalic acid should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment. The storage container should be sealed to prevent moisture and impurity contamination. Pivalic acid is not easy to react with general plastics, so it can be stored in plastic containers, but to ensure safety, it is best to use glass or stainless steel containers. The storage area should be well ventilated and kept away from fire and heat sources to avoid fire and explosion accidents.

The safety and environmental protection of pivalic acid

The safety of pivalic acid should be paid attention to in the process of handling and use. Although pivalic acid is less toxic, direct contact and inhalation of its vapors should be avoided. Operators should wear protective gloves and goggles, and use gas masks if necessary. The waste disposal of pivalic acid should comply with environmental regulations to avoid environmental pollution. When industrial wastewater contains pivalic acid, it should be properly treated to ensure that the discharged water quality meets environmental protection standards.

Pivalic Acid Market Prospects

With the continuous development of the chemical industry, the market demand for pivalic acid is on the rise. Particularly in the field of pharmaceuticals and pesticides, there is an increasing demand for high-purity, high-performance pivalic acid and its derivatives. The application of pivalic acid in new materials and new coatings is also expanding. Market analysis shows that the market size of pivalic acid will grow steadily in the next few years, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, benefiting from economic development and industrial upgrading, the demand for pivalic acid will increase significantly.

Conclusion

As an important organic chemical raw material, pivalic acid has broad application prospects and market potential. Its unique physical and chemical properties make it have important application value in many fields. From upstream raw materials to downstream products, from production processes to storage methods, the entire industrial chain of pivalic acid has gradually improved. With the development of technology and the change of market demand, pivalic acid and its derivatives will show their unique advantages and application prospects in more fields.