Polypropylene glycol

Polypropylene glycol is a polyether made by polymerizing propylene oxide, with repeating ether units and methyl side groups. Its molecular weight and end groups determine whether it behaves as a liquid, lubricant, or reactive ingredient.

Propylene oxide: Propylene oxide is a three-membered cyclic ether used as a chemical feedstock. Opening this ring links propylene oxide units into the polymer backbone.
Polymerization of propylene oxide: Polymerization of propylene oxide joins its epoxide molecules into polyether chains. The reaction produces the repeating backbone characteristic of polypropylene glycol.
Polyurethane foam: Polyurethane foam is a cellular polymer made by forming and expanding polyurethane during curing. Polypropylene glycol polyols can supply flexible segments in foam formulations.
Polyethylene glycol: Polyethylene glycol is a water-soluble polyether made from ethylene oxide, with repeating –CH₂CH₂O– units. Its lack of methyl side groups generally makes it more water-compatible than polypropylene glycol.
Polyether: A polyether is a polymer whose backbone contains repeated carbon–oxygen–carbon linkages. Polypropylene glycol belongs to this polymer family because of its repeating ether bonds.
Alkoxylation: Alkoxylation adds alkylene oxide units to compounds bearing active hydrogen atoms. It can extend chains or attach polypropylene glycol segments to starter molecules.
Polyurethane elastomer: A polyurethane elastomer is a stretchable polyurethane material that recovers after deformation. Polypropylene glycol can provide soft, flexible segments in elastomer formulations.
Poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol: Poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol is a hydroxyl-terminated polyether made from tetrahydrofuran. It is a polyurethane polyol alternative with a different backbone and segment properties.
Ring-opening polymerization: Ring-opening polymerization builds polymers by opening cyclic monomers and joining their units. This reaction converts propylene oxide into polypropylene glycol chains.
Polypropylene glycol diol: Polypropylene glycol diol is a polypropylene glycol with two hydroxyl end groups. Its two reactive ends allow it to connect segments in polyurethane synthesis.

Linked from 1 page