Nonylphenol

Chemical properties

Pale-yellow, viscous liquid; slight phenolic odor.Insoluble in water; soluble in most organic solvents. Combustible.

The Uses of Nonylphenol

Nonylphenol (NP) is an alkylphenol and together with its derivatives, such as trisnonylphenol phosphite (TNP) and nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPnEO), they are used as additives in the plastic industry, e.g., in polypropylene where nonylphenol ethoxylates are used as hydrophilic surface modifiers or as stabilizer during crystallization of polypropylene to enhance their mechanical properties. They are also used as antioxidant, antistatic agents, and plasticizer in polymers, and as stabilizer in plastic food packaging materials.

The Uses of Nonylphenol

In the preparation of lubricating oil additives, resins, plasticizers, surface active agents.

The Uses of Nonylphenol

Principal use as an intermediate in the production of nonionic ethoxylated surfactants; as an intermediate in the manufacture of phosphite antioxidants used for the plastics and rubber industries

Definition

A mixture of isomeric monoalkyl phenols, predominantly p-substituted.

General Description

A thick, yellowish liquid with a slight phenolic odor. Insoluble in water. Flash point 285°F. Burns although difficult to ignite. May irritate the skin. Used in the manufacture of oil additives, surfactants, fungicide preparations and plastics and rubber.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Nonylphenol behaves as a very weak organic acid. Incompatible with strong reducing substances such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Flammable gas (H2) is often generated, and the heat of the reaction may ignite the gas. Likely to react exothermically with concentrated sulfuric acid and nitric acid.

Health Hazard

Moderately toxic if swallowed. Severely irritating to skin and eyes.

Fire Hazard

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes. Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.

Chemical Reactivity

Reactivity with Water: No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No reaction; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: Not pertinent; Inhibitor of Polymerization: Not pertinent.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion andskin contact. A severe skin and eye irritant. Combustiblewhen exposed to heat or flame. When heated todecomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes