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Poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol

Introduction

Poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol ia a polyether polyol. It is also known as PTMEG or polytetrahydrofuran and various tradenames such as “Terathane” and “PolyTHF”. One of its CAS Registry Numbers is [25190-06-1].

It is prepared by acid-catalyzed polymerization of tetrahydrofuran.[1]. The polymers are of moderate size, usually having number average molecular weights of between 250 and 3000 da, for example see the “Terathane” series of PTMEG from Invista[2].

PTMEG synthesis from THF
PTMEG synthesis from THF

The main use for PTMEG polymers is to make elastomeric fibers such as Spandex[1]. These elastomers are either polyurethanes made by reacting PTMEG with diisocyanates, or polyesters made by reacting PTMEG with diacids or their derivatives[3].

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 “Polyethers, Tetrahydrofuran and Oxetane Polymers by Gerfried Pruckmayr, P. Dreyfuss, M. P. Dreyfuss”. Kirk‑Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1996.
  2. ↑ “Physical properties for the range of Terathane PTMEG polymers”. Retrieved 2007-09-06.
  3. ↑ “Uses of PTMEG polyols”. Retrieved 2007-09-06.