2-propylheptanol and its esters

Abstract

Abstract Diesters of 2-n-propyl-n-heptanol with dicarboxylic acids, e.g. phthalic, sebacic, azelaic and adipic acids, are used as plasticizers for vinyl resins. An example is given of the use of di(2-n-propyl-n-heptyl)-phthalate as a plasticizer for a vinyl chloride copolymer, containing over 95% of vinyl chloride, in comparison with other di-decyl phthalates and di-(2-ethyl-hexyl) phthalate.ALSO:The invention comprises diesters of 2-n-propyl-n-heptanol will dicarboxylic acids, e.g. phthalic, sebacic, azelaic and adipic acids. The esters may be prepared by mixing the alcohol with the acid or its anhydride, preferably with heating and in the presence of an esterification catalyst. The 2-n-propyl-n-heptanol may be prepared by subjecting n-valeraldehyde to an aldol condensation and dehydrating the aldol to 2-n-propyl-2-n-heptenal in a single stage and their catalytically hydrogenating the heptenal either in 2 stages to give successively 2-n-propyl-n-heptenal and 2-n-propyl-n-heptanol or in a single stage to give 2-n-propyl-n-heptanol directly. The 2-n-propyl-2-n-heptanol may be produced by adding a solution of n-valeraldehyde to a hot solution of an alkaline catalyst, e.g. sodium or potassium hydroxide or an alkali metal cyanide. In the example 2-n-propyl-n-heptanol, prepared as above, is heated with phthalic anhydride in the presence of sulphuric acid as catalyst to give the diphthalic ester.

Inventors

• 👤 Jr Hugh J Hagemeyer
• 👤 Milton A Perry

Bibliographic Details