Diphenyl_ether

Diphenyl ether

Diphenyl ether

Chemical compound


Diphenyl ether is the organic compound with the formula (C6H5)2O. It is a colorless, low-melting solid. This, the simplest diaryl ether, has a variety of niche applications.[5]

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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.


References

  1. "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. 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. 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. 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)
  7. Ungnade, H. E.; Orwoll, E. F. (1946). "2-Methoxy Diphenyl Ether". Org. Synth. 26: 50. doi:10.15227/orgsyn.026.0050.
  8. 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
  9. Suter, C. M.; Maxwell, C. E. (1943). "Phenoxthin". Organic Syntheses; Collected Volumes, vol. 2, p. 485.
  10. 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.
  11. 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)

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