Thermal decomposition of methylene-4,4'-di(ethylphenyl-carbamate) to methylene-4,4'-di(phenylisocyanate)

J Hazard Mater. 2005 Mar 17;119(1-3):19-24. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2004.11.016.

Abstract

During thermal decomposition of methylene-4,4'-di(ethylphenylcarbamate) (MDU), methylene-4,4'-di(phenylisocyanate) (MDI) appears to be the main product, provided that the ethanol formed in the reaction is carried away. Polycarbodiimides are the main by-products along with small amounts of 4,4'-di(aminophenyl)methane and its derivatives. Under the reaction conditions used in these studies, the latter compound together with its derivatives, reacts both with MDI and MDU. At 220-310 degrees C and a reaction time of 80-110 min, the selectivity of the MDU transformation to MDI in relation to consumed MDU is 60-87 mol.%. The selectivity of the transformation to polycarbodiimides is 7-20 mol.%, and that to amines and urea derivatives is about 1-2 mol.%.

MeSH terms

  • Benzhydryl Compounds / chemistry*
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Isocyanates / chemistry*
  • Temperature

Substances

  • 4,4'-di(ethoxycarboamide)diphenylmethane
  • Benzhydryl Compounds
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Isocyanates
  • 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate