4-tert-butylcatechol (TBC)
The tertiary butyl tectocol, also known as TBC, has the chemical formula C10H14O2 and its molar mass is 166.217 gr / mol. TBC is an organic chemical compound of catechol derivatives. It is added to butadiene, styrene, vinyl acetate and other reactive monomer streams to stabilize and inhibit polymerization. Tertiary butyl tectocell (TBC) is a compound of divalent phenolic derivatives. This compound, as the adsorbent of radicals, prevents the continuation of the chain reaction. Figure (1) shows the molecular structure of TBC.
Figure (1): Molecular structure of TBC
TBC is based on the alkylation of catechol with isobutylene gas in the presence of a catalyst of ion exchange resins using the Friedel Craft method. Important factors to control this reaction are:
- Catalyst
- Temperature
- Reaction time
- Inlet gas flow
Among the applications of TBC in industries, the following can be mentioned:
- As an oxidizer in industrial greases and oils
- Polymerization inhibitor for fabrication and storage of styrene, butadiene and active mono-fractions
- Thermal stabilizer for polyurethanes