1. Basic chemical properties

Chinese name: Dicyclopentadiene

English name: Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD)

CAS number: [77-73-6]

Molecular formula: C₁₀H₁₂

Molecular weight: 132.20

Physical properties:

Appearance: colorless to pale yellow crystals or liquids (partially crystallized at room temperature)

Density: 0.986 g/cm³ (20°C)

Melting point: 32-34°C (crystals), liquid state needs to be stored in a warm place

Boiling point: 170°C

Flash point: 26°C (highly flammable, UN 2048)

Solubility: easily soluble in benzene and toluene, slightly soluble in water

2. Main application areas

(1) Polymer materials

Unsaturated polyester resin: used as a cross-linking agent to improve the heat resistance of resin (HDT can reach above 120°C).

Epoxy resin curing agent: used for wind turbine blades and automotive composite materials (reducing the curing temperature by 10-15°C).

Norbornene derivatives: synthesized cycloolefin copolymers (COC), used in pharmaceutical packaging and optical films.

(2) Fine chemicals

Pesticide intermediates: synthesized pyrethroid insecticides (such as cypermethrin).

Fragrances and fuels: preparation of sandalwood fragrances and high-density jet fuel (JP-10).

(3) New energy materials

Lithium battery additives: used as electrolyte film-forming agents to improve electrode interface stability.

Hydrogen energy storage and transportation: research on liquid organic hydrogen storage carrier (LOHC) technology.

3. Production process and quality standards

(1) Production method

C₅ fraction separation: cyclopentadiene is extracted from the C₅ fraction by-product of ethylene cracking, and DCPD is generated by thermal dimerization (60-100℃).

Purification process: distillation separation (purity ≥95%), high purity grade requires further crystallization purification (≥99%).

(2) Quality grade

Industrial grade: purity ≥95%, water ≤0.1% (for resin synthesis).

High purity grade: purity ≥99% (GC detection), suitable for the medical/electronic fields.

Inhibitor type: contains 100-200ppm hydroquinone to prevent self-polymerization during storage.

Procurement recommendations

Resin industry: choose products containing inhibitors to avoid polymerization during transportation;

Scientific research users: give priority to purchasing sealed ampoules (to prevent oxidation and deterioration).

5. Safety and storage regulations

Health risks:

Skin contact: causes irritation dermatitis, wear butyl rubber gloves;

Inhalation toxicity: vapor irritates the respiratory tract (TLV-TWA 5ppm).

Storage and transportation:

Liquids must be kept at ≥35℃ to prevent crystallization and stored away from light;

Hazardous chemicals transport category 3, UN 2048, packaging category II.

6. Industry trends and innovative applications

Green technology: Develop bio-based DCPD (using lignin derivatives as raw materials) to reduce dependence on petrochemicals;

3D printing materials: Used for photocurable resins (SLA) to improve the temperature resistance of printed parts;

Aerospace: Synthesize high-temperature resistant carbon fiber composite materials (long-term use temperature 200℃+).

Team Presentation