Bisphenol a
Instrumental Analysis Term Paper
Bisphenol A
As one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide, biphenol-A (BPA) is the estrogenic monomer used in the manufacture of plastic polymers such as polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA is a single hydrocarbon molecule that binds with other molecules to form these polymers (Erler, and Novak 400-407). Bisphenol-A is synthesized using an acid catalyst to react phenol with acetone. This process is done under a mild temperature and pressure. The result gives the molecule of BPA with water. Since BPA is an isomeric compound, there can be different arrangements of atoms within this molecule ("DOW Chemical Company" 1-14).
Since 1950, many major consumer production companies have been using BPA in the formation of the plastics of many different products humans use daily. In commercial production, the para, para’ isomer (p,p’) is the preferred product. The ortho, para’- BPA isomer is also produced but in low levels and is removed by recrystallization. BPA can come in the form of a white to tan crystal, flake, or powder. This compound has a mild phenolic odor yet it is not volatile. BPA is not sold directly for consumer use but serves as the raw material that makes up the polymers used to produce consumer products such as polycarbonate and epoxy resins as stated before. ("DOW Chemical Company" 1-14).
Polycarbonate is used in the production of many plastics such as food and drink containers, baby bottles, baby sip cups, and many other products. Performance characteristics of polycarbonate plastics include: lightweight, toughness, optical clarity, high heat resistance, and good electrical resistance. Epoxy resins are notably used as inner liners of metallic food and drink containers to protect the food or drink from direct contact with the can. Performance characteristics of epoxy resins include: toughness, adhesion, formability, and chemical resistance. BPA can also be found in non-food related substances such
Bisphenol A
As one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide, biphenol-A (BPA) is the estrogenic monomer used in the manufacture of plastic polymers such as polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. BPA is a single hydrocarbon molecule that binds with other molecules to form these polymers (Erler, and Novak 400-407). Bisphenol-A is synthesized using an acid catalyst to react phenol with acetone. This process is done under a mild temperature and pressure. The result gives the molecule of BPA with water. Since BPA is an isomeric compound, there can be different arrangements of atoms within this molecule ("DOW Chemical Company" 1-14).
Since 1950, many major consumer production companies have been using BPA in the formation of the plastics of many different products humans use daily. In commercial production, the para, para’ isomer (p,p’) is the preferred product. The ortho, para’- BPA isomer is also produced but in low levels and is removed by recrystallization. BPA can come in the form of a white to tan crystal, flake, or powder. This compound has a mild phenolic odor yet it is not volatile. BPA is not sold directly for consumer use but serves as the raw material that makes up the polymers used to produce consumer products such as polycarbonate and epoxy resins as stated before. ("DOW Chemical Company" 1-14).
Polycarbonate is used in the production of many plastics such as food and drink containers, baby bottles, baby sip cups, and many other products. Performance characteristics of polycarbonate plastics include: lightweight, toughness, optical clarity, high heat resistance, and good electrical resistance. Epoxy resins are notably used as inner liners of metallic food and drink containers to protect the food or drink from direct contact with the can. Performance characteristics of epoxy resins include: toughness, adhesion, formability, and chemical resistance. BPA can also be found in non-food related substances such
References: Erler, Cheryl, and Julia Novak. "Bisphenol A Exposure: Human Risk and Health Policy." Journal of Pediatric Nursing. 25.5 (2010): 400-407. Print. Vadenberg, Laura, and Russ Hauser. "Human Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA)." Reproductive Toxicology. 24.2 (2007): 139-177. Web. 4 May. 2012. "Mind Disrupted: Bisphenol-A." Alaska Community Action on Toxics and Commonweal. n.d. 15. Web. 1 May. 2012. "Biomonitoring: Bisphenol A (BPA)." America’s Children and the Environment, Third Edition. (2011): 1-35. Web. 1 May. 2012. "Product Safety Assessment: Bisphenol A." DOW Chemical Company. (2012): 1-14. Print.