Optimization of synthetic parameters of high-purity trifunctional mercaptoesters and their curing behavior for the thiol–epoxy click reaction?

RSC Advances Pub Date: 2021-10-22 DOI: 10.1039/D1RA05981E

Abstract

The direct esterification reaction between 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA) and trimethylolpropane (TMP) was conducted in the presence of various catalyst concentrations of p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TSA) to examine the optimized synthetic conditions needed to produce high-purity trimethylolpropane-tris(3-mercaptopropionate) (TMPMP). The purity of the desired TMPMP and uncompleted side-product reduced as the acid catalyst concentration in this esterification reaction increased while the generation of thioester-based side-product increased. The equivalent ratio between epoxy and the manufactured TMPMP was maintained at 1?:?1 to monitor the curing behavior of the thiol–epoxy click reaction using the DSC technique. The thermal features of the base-catalyzed TMPMP-cured epoxy resin were assessed according to the purity of the TMPMP curing agent.

Graphical abstract: Optimization of synthetic parameters of high-purity trifunctional mercaptoesters and their curing behavior for the thiol–epoxy click reaction
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