Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A, with the CAS register number 80-05-7, is commonly abbreviated as BPA. Its EINECS register number is 201-245-8. Bisphenol A has IUPAC name which is called 4,4'-(propane-2,2-diyl)diphenol. The substance is an organic compound with the formula C₁₅H₁₆O₂. It is a white to light brown flakes or powder with a weak medicine odor. Bisphenol A should be sealed and stored in cool and dry place. What's more, it should be protected from water and explosions.

Bisphenol A, incompatible with strong oxidizers, strong bases, acid chlorides and acid anhydrides, will sink in water. Bisphenol A is combustible which may form explosive dust clouds. Bisphenol A is an endocrine disruptor, which can mimic the body's own hormones and may lead to negative health effects. September 2010, Canada became the first country to declare BPA as a toxic substance. In the European Union and Canada, BPA use is banned in baby bottles.

Production: Bisphenol A can be prepared by the condensation of acetone with two equivalents of phenol. The reaction is catalyzed by a strong acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) or a sulfonated polystyrene resin. It is commonly that a large excess of phenol is used to ensure full condensation in industry. The product mixture of the cumene process may also be used as starting material.

Uses: Bisphenol A is used to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Bisphenol A is primarily used to make plastics. It is a key monomer in production of epoxy resins and in the most common form of polycarbonate plastic which is clear and nearly shatter-proof and is used to make a variety of common products including baby and water bottles, sports equipment, medical and dental devices, dental fillings and sealants, eyeglass lenses, CDs and DVDs, and household electronics. As an antioxidant in some plasticizers, and as a polymerization inhibitor in PVC, Bisphenol A is also used in the synthesis of polysulfones and polyether ketones. Bisphenol A is also a precursor to the flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol A, and was formerly used as a fungicide. BPA-based products are also used in foundry castings and for lining water pipes.

Identification: There are seven classes of plastics used in packaging applications. In general, plastics that are marked with recycle codes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 are very unlikely to contain Bisphenol A. Some, but not all, plastics that are marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 may be made with Bisphenol A. Type 3 (PVC) can also contain bisphenol A as an antioxidant in plasticizers. This is particularly true for "flexible PVC", but not true for PVC pipes. Type 7 is the catch-all "other" class, and some type 7 plastics, such as polycarbonate and epoxy resins, are made from bisphenol A monomer. The seven plastic identification codes as the following:

When you are using Bisphenol A, you should be very cautious about it for its harmful. It is irritating to respiratory system. There will be a risk of serious damage to eyes and possible risk of impaired fertility. In addition, it may cause sensitisation by skin contact. In case of contact with eyes, you must rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Whenever you will contact it, please wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection. In case of accident or if you feel unwell seek medical advice immediately. If swallowed, you can seek medical advice immediately and show this container or label.

Descriptors computed from structure of Bisphenol A:
(1)Canonical SMILES: CC(C)(C1=CC=C(C=C1)O)C2=CC=C(C=C2)O
(2)InChI: InChI=1S/C15H16O2/c1-15(2,11-3-7-13(16)8-4-11)12-5-9-14(17)10-6-12/h3-10,16-17H,1-2H3
(3)InChIKey: IISBACLAFKSPIT-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Toxicity of Bisphenol A: