VOC-Exempt Solvent Compounds for Glycol Ether Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solvent compounds used in consumer products contribute significantly to smog formation due to high volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, posing health and environmental risks, and existing low or zero VOC alternatives are limited in applicability and cost-effective solutions.
Innovation Solution
Development of VOC-exempt solvent compounds, such as Bis(2-ButoxyEthyl Carbonate) and 2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-[[5-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-dioxan-5-yl]methoxymethyl]propane-1,3-diol, which can replace glycol ethers in various applications, including paints, coatings, and pharmaceuticals, offering low toxicity, biodegradability, and improved solvency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional solvents are used in consumer products, then effective solvency and performance are achieved, but high VOC emissions contribute to smog formation and health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of solvent compounds by developing new molecular structures (Formula I and Formula II) with specific functional groups that reduce VOC emissions while maintaining solvency. The compounds are designed with controlled volatility and polarity parameters to achieve low VOC content while preserving effective dissolution capabilities for various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite solvent systems by combining multiple functional groups within the molecular structure (e.g., carbonate groups, ether groups, hydroxyl groups) to achieve synergistic effects. These composite molecular structures provide both low VOC emissions and high solvency performance that single-functional solvents cannot achieve alone.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing low or zero VOC solvent alternatives are used, then VOC emissions are reduced, but applicability and cost-effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs solvent compounds with universal applicability across multiple industries including paints, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. The molecular structures (Formula I and Formula II) are engineered to provide broad solvency for diverse solutes while maintaining low VOC emissions, making them suitable replacements for traditional solvents in various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts key parameters of the solvent compounds including molecular weight, volatility, polarity, and functional group composition to optimize both VOC reduction and applicability. By controlling these parameters, the solvents achieve broad compatibility with different formulations and applications while maintaining low emissions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing low or zero VOC solvent alternatives are used, then VOC emissions are reduced, but cost-effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the synthesis parameters and molecular structure of the solvent compounds to reduce manufacturing complexity and cost. The compounds are designed with straightforward synthetic routes from readily available starting materials, and the molecular structures are optimized to minimize production steps while achieving the desired low VOC performance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides, in part, a solvent compound for use as a substitute for a glycol ether, an alkyl ether of diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol.