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Cyclohexanedimethanol

Cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), also known as 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, is a symmetrical cycloaliphatic with the molecular formula C₈H₁₆O₂ and a molecular weight of 144.21 g/mol. It consists of a ring substituted with two hydroxymethyl groups at the 1 and 4 positions, existing as a of and trans isomers. This colorless, low-melting solid (melting points of 43°C for and 67°C for trans) is soluble in (34–143 g/L at 25 °C) and organic solvents like , and it serves primarily as a chemical intermediate and in synthesis. CHDM is produced industrially through the catalytic of (DMT) in , often involving a two-step process where the aromatic ring is first partially reduced to a intermediate before full saturation. This method yields a commercial mixture typically containing about 30% cis and 70% trans isomers. Major producers include , which markets variants like CHDM-D (a diol-rich form) and CHDM-D90 (a 90/10 in for easier handling). The compound's production is linked to the industry, with potential environmental releases during manufacturing and use. As a glycol modifier, CHDM is widely used in the synthesis of saturated and unsaturated polyester resins, enhancing properties such as hydrolytic stability, chemical resistance, hardness, flexibility, and weatherability compared to traditional glycol-based s. It is incorporated into applications including protective coatings for appliances and automobiles, -melamine enamels, waterborne resins, foams, fiberglass-reinforced plastics, gel coats, and sheet molding compounds. Additionally, CHDM finds roles in adhesives, sealants, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and , contributing to durable, corrosion-resistant materials in industries like automotive, , and . Its high crystallinity and reactive hydroxyl groups make it valuable for producing transparent and high-performance polymers.

Structure and properties

Molecular structure and isomers

Cyclohexanedimethanol has the molecular formula C₈H₁₆O₂ and the (cyclohexane-1,4-diyl)dimethanol. It features a six-membered ring with two hydroxymethyl (-CH₂OH) groups attached to carbon atoms at the 1 and 4 positions, making it a symmetrical suitable for incorporation into backbones. The molecule exhibits geometric isomerism due to the 1,4-disubstitution on the ring, resulting in cis and trans isomers. In the preferred chair conformation of the ring, the trans isomer positions both -CH₂OH groups equatorially, minimizing steric interactions and conferring greater conformational stability. Conversely, the cis isomer adopts a conformation with one -CH₂OH group axial and the other equatorial, leading to higher energy and less stability. Textual representations of these isomers can be visualized as follows: for the trans form, both substituents align on opposite faces of the ring in the diequatorial orientation; for the cis form, they align on the same face with mixed axial-equatorial placement. Commercial cyclohexanedimethanol is produced as a mixture containing approximately 30% and 70% isomers, reflecting the favored in typical synthetic processes. The of these isomers influences both reactivity and physical state; the isomer's symmetrical structure enhances reactivity in esterification and polymerization reactions due to reduced steric hindrance, while promoting greater crystallinity in derived materials compared to the more flexible isomer.

Physical properties

Cyclohexanedimethanol is typically available as a white waxy solid or a low-melting colorless solid in its commercial form. Its molar mass is 144.21 g/mol. The compound exhibits a melting point range of 41–61 °C, which arises from the mixture of cis and trans isomers present in commercial preparations; the cis isomer melts at approximately 43 °C, while the trans isomer melts at about 67 °C. The boiling point is 284–288 °C at standard pressure. At 20 °C, the density is approximately 1.02 g/mL. Cyclohexanedimethanol shows high solubility in water, around 920 g/L at 20 °C, and is highly soluble in alcohols such as ethanol and in organic solvents like acetone. Additional physical characteristics include a refractive index of approximately 1.49 (n²⁰/D) and a viscosity of about 877 cP in its molten state at 23 °C.

Chemical properties

Cyclohexanedimethanol is classified as a primary , possessing two hydroxyl groups attached via methylene bridges to the ring, which render them highly reactive for esterification and etherification processes. Under normal conditions, the compound displays good chemical stability, being non-hygroscopic and resistant to oxidation, while exhibiting reactivity toward strong acids and bases; for instance, it shows less than 1% after exposure to at 50 °C for 5 days. A key aspect of its chemical behavior involves polycondensation reactions with dicarboxylic acids, such as , to produce polyesters, as exemplified by the general esterification equation: \ce{HO-CH2-C6H10-CH2-OH + HOOC-R-COOH -> [-O-CH2-C6H10-CH2-OOC-R-CO-]_n + n H2O} The acidity of its hydroxyl groups is characterized by a of approximately 14.75, akin to that of other primary alcohols. Cyclohexanedimethanol maintains up to around 250 °C, after which begins, releasing degradation products. The presence of the ring enhances the overall of the molecule compared to linear .

Synthesis and production

Laboratory synthesis

One common laboratory method for preparing cyclohexanedimethanol involves the of dimethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (DMCD) using lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH₄) in solvents such as or , followed by with water or dilute acid to quench the reaction and liberate the . This approach leverages the strong reducing capability of LiAlH₄ to convert the groups to primary alcohols while preserving the ring. Typical conditions include adding the diester to a suspension of LiAlH₄ at 0–25 °C under inert atmosphere, stirring for several hours, and then performing the workup. (NaBH₄) can be used as a milder alternative in activated forms (e.g., with additives like iodine or in protic solvents), though it is less common for complete and often requires longer reaction times or higher temperatures. An alternative route employs catalytic hydrogenation of or its esters, such as (DMT), using as the catalyst under conditions of 150–250 °C and 200–350 atm pressure. This two-stage process first saturates the aromatic ring to form the or ester intermediate, followed by reduction of the carboxylic groups to alcohols, often in a like or water. promotes high selectivity for the 1,4-isomer, with the isomer ratio (:) influenced by reaction time, temperature, and catalyst activation; trans-rich products (~70% trans) are favored under optimized conditions. Purification of the crude product typically involves to remove volatile impurities and solvents, achieving boiling points around 150–200 °C at reduced pressure (e.g., 1–10 mmHg), or recrystallization from aqueous or to isolate specific based on differences—the crystallizes preferentially at lower temperatures. Laboratory yields for these methods generally range from 70–90%, depending on the starting material purity and reaction scale, with selectivity for the desired 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol exceeding 80% when using isomer-selective catalysts.

Industrial production

The industrial production of cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) relies primarily on the two-stage catalytic of (DMT), a process that sequentially reduces the aromatic ring and groups to yield the . DMT is initially obtained through the esterification of with , providing a readily available feedstock derived from sources. The first stage involves the selective of the aromatic ring in DMT to dimethyl 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (DMCD) using a palladium-based catalyst, typically under moderate conditions to preserve the functionalities. The second stage reduces the groups in DMCD to hydroxyl groups, employing a catalyst at temperatures of 200–250 °C and hydrogen pressures of 100–200 atm, which facilitates high conversion rates while generating byproducts such as 4-methylcyclohexanemethanol from trace impurities in the feedstock. This two-stage approach ensures efficient selectivity and , with overall CHDM exceeding 90% in optimized setups, though it requires rigorous purification to isolate the trans and cis isomers in the desired ratio for downstream applications. Commercial-scale implementation emphasizes catalyst stability and to minimize costs, as the high-pressure conditions demand robust designs. The process has evolved to incorporate continuous systems, enhancing throughput and reducing compared to batch methods. Commercial production of CHDM commenced in the late , with pioneering large-scale operations in the 1960s through advancements in DMT hydrogenation technology at its Kingsport facility. Significant improvements in efficiency emerged in the , including refined formulations that boosted selectivity and longevity, thereby lowering operational expenses and enabling broader market adoption. These developments solidified CHDM as a key intermediate in specialty manufacturing. Today, the leading producers are in the United States and SK Chemicals in , which together account for the majority of global output. The worldwide production capacity stands at approximately 200,000 metric tons annually as of 2025, supported by ongoing expansions to meet demand for high-performance resins. Recent innovations, particularly in 2025, have introduced sustainable alternatives such as catalytic of waste () via hydrogenolysis, employing bifunctional catalysts like Ru/MnO₂ for methanolysis followed by CuZnZr oxides for hydrogenation, achieving up to 78% CHDM yield from post-consumer and promoting integration in supply chains.

Applications

In polyesters and resins

Cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of specialty polyesters by serving as a comonomer in polycondensation reactions with or , enabling the production of modified (PET) variants such as polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) and poly(1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) (PCT). In PETG, CHDM is copolymerized alongside and , while PCT is formed exclusively from CHDM and , resulting in materials tailored for enhanced performance in demanding applications. The incorporation of CHDM into these polyesters significantly reduces crystallinity, particularly when CHDM content reaches 32–62 mol%, rendering the copolymers essentially amorphous and improving optical clarity and melt processability compared to standard . This modification also boosts mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and barrier properties due to the rigid ring structure disrupting chain packing. Furthermore, CHDM elevates the temperature (Tg) to approximately 80–85 °C in PETG, providing better dimensional stability at elevated temperatures without compromising flexibility. CHDM-based amorphous copolyesters hold a key position in the packaging sector, particularly for clear, impact-resistant containers and engineering plastics, driven by demand for high-clarity, recyclable materials in food and beverage industries. PETG is also widely used as a filament in fused deposition modeling (FDM) for prototyping, functional parts, and medical applications due to its ease of , layer , and durability.

Other industrial uses

Cyclohexanedimethanol acts as a reactive in resin formulations, where it is epoxidized to form 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol diglycidyl , a low- compound suitable for high-performance coatings with improved toughness and . This derivative reduces the overall of systems without significantly compromising mechanical properties, making it ideal for applications requiring thin-film application and enhanced chemical resistance. In and resins, cyclohexanedimethanol is utilized to produce paints and varnishes that exhibit superior flexibility, weather resistance, and durability. For , it serves as a component in polyols, contributing to high-solids coatings for industrial maintenance and automotive finishes. Similarly, in resins, it enhances gloss, hardness, and impact resistance, particularly when combined with other glycols like . These properties stem from the diol's reactivity, which facilitates cross-linking in resin networks. Beyond resins, cyclohexanedimethanol has applications in plasticizers for PVC and other polymers, as well as in lubricants and , where its cycloaliphatic structure provides stability and low volatility. It also plays a minor role as an in pharmaceutical , particularly in chiral forms for precursors. A notable example is its incorporation into polyester-melamine baking enamels for appliances and metal surfaces, where it imparts excellent corrosion resistance alongside resistance to stains, humidity, and chemicals. These secondary uses represent a smaller portion of overall consumption compared to polyester production.

Safety and environmental aspects

Health and toxicity

Cyclohexanedimethanol exhibits low , with an oral LD50 greater than 3,200 mg/kg in rats, indicating minimal risk from single ingestions. It is not a irritant or sensitizer, and while it may cause serious eye damage upon direct contact, it does not pose significant dermal absorption hazards. Chronic exposure studies show no evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or , with in vitro and in vivo assays confirming a lack of DNA-damaging potential. Similarly, there is no indication of reproductive or developmental toxicity based on available toxicological data. As a High Production Volume (HPV) chemical, it has undergone review by the US EPA, which supports its low hazard profile for long-term human health effects. Primary exposure routes include skin contact, eye exposure, and of vapors or , though its physical reduces generation risks during typical handling. may cause irritation at high concentrations, necessitating the use of gloves, protective eyewear, and adequate in settings to minimize exposure. Under regulation, cyclohexanedimethanol is listed on the TSCA inventory as of November 2025, allowing its manufacture and use without additional restrictions. In the , it is registered under REACH as of November 2025 with no specific authorization or restriction requirements for applications, reflecting its assessed safety for controlled use. For , skin contact should be addressed by washing with and , while eye requires immediate flushing with for at least followed by medical attention. incidents involve moving to , and ingestion calls for seeking professional medical advice without inducing vomiting.

Environmental impact

Cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) exhibits inherent biodegradability under aerobic conditions. Its low (log Kow ≈ 1.14) indicates minimal potential, with an estimated bioconcentration factor (BCF) of 3, suggesting limited persistence in environmental compartments. In industrial production via of , is generated as a , necessitating capture and treatment to prevent atmospheric and releases, in line with standard chemical controls. Recent advancements, including 2025 processes for () waste into CHDM through sequential , , and reduction steps, have achieved yields up to 78%, thereby reducing reliance on virgin petroleum-derived feedstocks and mitigating . As a high-production volume (HPV) chemical under the U.S. (EPA) Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), CHDM releases are monitored through reporting requirements for industrial facilities, while its incorporation into polyesters contributes to broader microplastic concerns, as these durable end-products fragment into persistent environmental particles during use and disposal. Sustainability initiatives include the development of bio-based CHDM synthesis routes using renewable feedstocks such as and bio-derived precursors, offering a pathway to lower carbon footprints compared to conventional methods. Additionally, chemical via enables recovery of CHDM from waste polyesters, as demonstrated in transesterification-hydrogenation relay processes that efficiently break down copolyesters under mild conditions (80°C, 1 bar H2), facilitating circular material flows. Ecological toxicity assessments classify CHDM as low hazard to aquatic life, with LC50 values exceeding 100 mg/L for key organisms: >125.3 mg/L (96 h) for (Pimephales promelas) and >100 mg/L (48 h) for (Daphnia magna). The large-scale industrial production of CHDM can potentially amplify release risks to ecosystems if not managed through best practices.

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