Side Reactions in the Formation of Polyurethanes: Model Reactions Between Phenylisocyanate and 1-Butanol

Abstract

Abstract The following side reactions occurring in the formation of polyurethanes were modeled: a reaction of excess phenyl isocyanate either with 1-butanol in 1, 4-dioxane and in bulk, or with n-butylphenyl urethane or water in dioxane catalyzed with dibutyltin dilaurate that leads to the formation of n-butyl-α, γ-diphenyl allophanate N, N-diphenylurea, and 1, 3, 5-triphenylbiuret. The reaction products were determined quantitatively by means of liquid chromatography. The rate and equilibrium constants were calculated at various temperatures and various initial ratios of functional groups. Biuret is formed from N, N'-diphenylurea much more quickly than allophanate from urethane, and the equilibrium constant of its formation is also higher.