Tetramethylxylene diisocyanate


Tetramethylxylene diisocyanate is an organic compound in the class known as isocyanates. It is a relatively new isocyanate introduced in the 1980s by American Cyanamid. TMXDI is often classified as an aliphatic isocyanate despite the presence of the central aromatic ring. Aliphatic isocyanates generally exhibit enhanced UV stability vs their aromatic counterparts.
There have also been patents published showing the uses of TMXDI and also a number of papers. Many isocyanates are produced by the phosgenation process whereas TMXDI is not.

Uses

A key use for TMXDI is in manufacturing polyurethane prepolymers. It is also used to manufacture Polyurethane dispersions.. These materials are then further used to manufacture coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers.
TMXDI has been considered as a replacement for Isophorone diisocyanate. IPDI has a molecular weight of 222.3 and thus a NCO equivalent weight of 111.15. TMXDI has a molecular weight of 244.3 and thus an equivalent weight of 122.15. Thus per mole, approximately 10% more is required than the equivalent prepolymer based on IPDI. This difference increases cost. There are advantages though with TMXDI especially when making Polyurethanes Dispersions. The NCO groups on the molecule are sterically hindered and also tertiary which makes them slower reacting. This is good when dispersing a prepolymer in water to make a PUD. It reduces side reactions and allows more time to allow the dispersion stage before the mix is chain extended. This is done usually with a diamine.. It has even found use in a rocket propellant binder by the US military

Safety

Extensive data has become available.