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Description
Tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-1,3,5-triazinane-2,4,6-trione (THEIC) is a trifunctional polyhydric alcohol derived from isocyanuric acid. It is widely used as a crosslinking intermediate, polyester resin modifier, polyurethane component, alkyd resin building block, and heat-resistant monomer in high-performance coatings, powder coatings, wire enamels, engineering plastics, and specialty polymers. The molecule contains three hydroxyethyl groups attached to a highly stable isocyanurate ring, providing excellent thermal stability, hydrolytic resistance, and multifunctional reactivity.
THEIC is particularly important in the manufacture of saturated polyester resins used in TGIC-cured powder coatings. Its trifunctional hydroxyl structure enables the formation of highly crosslinked polymer networks with exceptional heat resistance, weatherability, chemical resistance, hardness, and mechanical strength. It is also extensively employed in electrical insulation materials, high-temperature varnishes, coil coatings, and advanced composite formulations.
Because of its excellent balance of reactivity, durability, and thermal performance, THEIC is recognized as one of the most valuable multifunctional polyols in modern polymer chemistry.
CAS Number
CAS Number: 839-90-7
Synonyms
Physical Properties
THEIC is supplied as a white crystalline powder or granular solid with excellent storage stability. It exhibits low volatility, high purity, and outstanding compatibility with polyester and polyurethane systems.
Typical characteristics include:
Its high melting point contributes to excellent thermal processing performance.
Chemical Properties
THEIC contains three primary hydroxyl groups attached to a rigid isocyanurate ring. These hydroxyl groups readily react with carboxylic acids, isocyanates, anhydrides, and other reactive functional groups to form durable thermosetting polymer networks.
Important chemical characteristics include:
The rigid isocyanurate ring enhances dimensional stability and heat resistance in cured polymers.
Manufacturing Process
Commercial THEIC is generally produced by reacting isocyanuric acid with ethylene oxide or related hydroxyethylating agents under controlled reaction conditions.
Typical manufacturing stages include:
Strict control of reaction conditions ensures high purity and complete substitution of all three reactive sites.
Mechanism of Action
THEIC functions as a multifunctional polyol during polymer synthesis.
Its hydroxyl groups react with carboxylic acids, acid anhydrides, or isocyanates to form ester or urethane linkages, creating highly crosslinked polymer structures. The rigid isocyanurate core contributes additional thermal stability and mechanical strength.
Its principal functions include:
Its trifunctionality enables the formation of dense three-dimensional polymer networks.
Applications
THEIC is used in numerous industrial applications.
Powder Coatings
Polyester Industry
Polyurethane Industry
Electrical Industry
Composite Materials
Advantages
THEIC provides numerous industrial advantages.
