Hazards:
Avoid contact with the liquid and vapor of the chemicals in this demonstration.
Chemicals and Solutions:
100 ml of polyurethane a (toluene diisocyanate plus extras)
136 ml of polyurethane b (gycerol plus extras)
Materials:
large plastic beaker (2 L capacity)
stirring rod
Procedure:
Mix components a and b in the beaker. Stir until the mixture starts to foam.
Hint:
Discussion:
The polyurethane forms when an isocyanate group (R-N=C=O) from toluene diisocyante reacts with a hydroxyl group from glycerol forming an ester-like bond. The reaction can proceed in three directions since all three hydoxyl groups of the triol can react and both isocyanate groups can react.This leads to a large molecule that is rigidly held into a three dimensional structure.
The foaming is caused by the small amount of water that is present. The water decomposes isocyanate:
R-N=C=O + H2O ---> RNH2 + CO2
To schedule a demonstration, please send an email to the demonstration lab.
Contact:
Eric Camp
Lecture Demonstration Technician
Bagley Hall 171
(206) 543-1606