Structure and properties of halogenated and nonhalogenated soy-based polyols

Four polyols intended for application in polyurethanes were synthesized by oxirane ring opening in epoxidized soybean oil with hydrochloric acid, hydr obromic acid, methanol, and hydrogen. The structures of the polyols were ch aracterized by spectroscopic, chemical, and physical methods. The brominate d polyol had 4.1 hydroxy groups, whereas the other three polyols had slight ly lower functionality. The densities, viscosities, viscous-flow activation energies, and molecular weights of the polyols decreased in the following order: brominated > chlorinated > methoxylated > hydrogenated. All the poly ols were crystalline solids below their melting temperature, displaying mul tiple melting peaks. The methoxylated polyol was liquid at room temperature , whereas the other three were waxes. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.