subject: Phenylenediamine Various Forms Of This Brilliant Chemical! [print this page] Phenylenediamine, which is commonly referred to as PPD by the people in chemical industry, is a chemical compound which is derived from aniline. The compound exists in 3 isomeric forms, all of which find wide applications in various industrial processes. The three forms have been classified into ortho, Meta and Para (depending upon the position of amine group on the benzene ring).
This article is going to put some light on the three forms of PPD and what are their uses. Let us have a look at them
OPD the ortho form of the compound is called as OPD, and falls under the category of aromatic diamines. The fact that this chemical is a precursor to many of the heterocyclic compounds in a number of chemical reactions, make it quite an important part of the various industrial manufacturing processes.
The commercial process that is used to manufacture this chemical includes the treatment of ammonia with nitrochlorobenzene. The product thus obtained is treated with hydrogen to yield the final product, which OPD.
This form is used as an antioxidant in rubber industry, in the manufacturing of herbicides such as 'Benomyl' and in the production of pharmaceutical products as well.
m- PPD although this form is not that important commercially, still it finds application in a number of industries. The compound exists as a colorless solid and is manufactured by chemical process known as hydrogenation. The process involves addition of hydrogen to dinitrobenzene. M-PPD is used in the preparation of epoxy resins, polyurea elastomers, aramid fibres and other polymer compounds. Meta- phenylenediamine is also an important component of dyes used in leather industry.
PPD In its purest form the compound is white in color, but due to oxidation with air the color may darken a bit. For industrial purposes, this form is the most important. Due the presence of two amine groups in the structure, it is highly useful in polymer industry.
It is an important component of the rubber industry as well, because it serves as an antiozonant. Because of the fact that this compound is easily oxidized, it is used as an oxidizing agent also. PPD is also an important component of the hair dye production industry. It also finds application in photographic industry as a developing agent.
All the above mentioned information gives you a brief introduction on the various forms of this highly useful industrial chemical and its various forms.
