2-(2'-Hydroxy-3',5'-di-tert-butylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole stands out as an organic compound with a mouthful of a name but a clear purpose. Recognized across chemical industries for its protective properties, this compound often finds its place in applications that demand robust defense against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The structure, centered around benzotriazole with a hydroxyphenyl group and two bulky tert-butyl groups, shows real thought in design. The added chlorine at the five position boosts stability in harsher chemical surroundings. As someone who has spent years studying functional additives in plastic materials, I’ve learned how these seemingly small molecular tweaks turn what could be a generic benzotriazole into a specialized agent for UV resistance. It answers a real need: preventing degradation in plastics, coatings, and other materials that endure full exposure to sunlight for years at a time.
The density of 2-(2'-Hydroxy-3',5'-di-tert-butylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole ranges close to 1.3 g/cm³, which matches up with other benzotriazole derivatives. Most manufacturers supply this compound as white crystalline flakes, though some batches show up in powder or granular pearls depending on handling and grinding process. It feels gritty between the fingers and doesn’t flow as freely as a fine powder. Solid at room temperature, it melts around 154–156°C, demonstrating a thermal profile that sets it apart from less stable alternatives. As for solubility, the material dissolves well in many organic solvents, such as acetone and toluene, but holds its line against water. These features tell me it was clearly engineered with blending and dispersion in mind, allowing users to work it into resins without unpredictable clumping.
Cracking open the molecular structure, you’ll find C20H22ClN3O as its chemical formula, putting the molecular weight at 355.86 g/mol. That extra bulk from the tert-butyl groups helps not only with UV resistance but with stability. Most suppliers list tight purity specs above 99%, a must for optical applications where anything less could mean compromised transparency or discoloration. The compound commonly appears in technical data sheets with detailed breakdowns on melting range, moisture content, and the faint yellowish color that comes through even in high-purity forms. These constraints matter for anyone doing quality control in a plastics compounding facility—knowing that what you're adding won’t bring unwanted contaminants or color shifts.
Depending on processing requirements, 2-(2'-Hydroxy-3',5'-di-tert-butylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole gets supplied in several forms. Most firms stick to solid flakes, easier for weighing and feeding into extrusion or molding lines. Finer powders suit those who need rapid dissolution in liquid carriers or for blending into masterbatch pellets. Some research groups even offer the material dissolved in organic solvents at specific concentrations for direct use in coatings and inks. Each form has its upside: flakes resist airborne dusting, while powders disperse easily in mixers. The ability to choose form factor reflects a close conversation between producers and users, driven by real-world handling concerns, not marketing jargon.
This compound, like most industrial UV absorbers, gets flagged as hazardous according to chemical regulations. It earns a GHS classification for skin and eye irritation, and inhaling high concentrations of dust draws health warnings. Most storage rooms for this material follow standard chemical practices: well-ventilated, away from open flames, and with full access to spill control. In production settings I’ve seen, staff wear gloves, goggles, and filter masks during transport or blending. Safe handling tops the list, not just because of legal compliance, but because chronic exposure risks stubborn allergic reactions. The HS Code 2933998099 covers this compound for international shipments, flagging it in customs as an organic compound not elsewhere specified. This detail rarely makes headlines, but it smooths global trade by classifying the chemical clearly for governments and buyers alike.
Raw material sourcing for benzotriazole UV absorbers usually involves aromatic hydrocarbons, tert-butyl chlorides, and specialty catalysts. The synthesis routes use well-established reactions rather than anything experimental, but quality of starting materials influences the long-term stability and color of the final product. The supply chain here leans heavily on petrochemical sources. Environmental considerations press on everyone in the field. Production facilities have started to invest in energy-efficient reactors and waste recovery systems, knowing the regulatory tide keeps rising. From the experience of talking to suppliers during procurement audits, I see that more customers want clear documentation on sourcing practices and environmental controls linked with their raw material suppliers—questions no longer get brushed aside as academic.
2-(2'-Hydroxy-3',5'-di-tert-butylphenyl)-5-chlorobenzotriazole plays a practical role in stabilizing polymers used in outdoor settings—think PVC window frames, building coatings, and polyester fibers. Its molecular structure interrupts the photochemical chain reactions that cause surface cracking and discoloration, which cuts down maintenance costs and extends the useful life of finished products. Many automotive manufacturers add it to dashboards and trims that take a daily UV beating behind glass. Without these UV blockers, materials fade, embrittle, and need faster replacement, leading to more landfill waste and higher production costs. In resin formulation meetings, I’ve seen engineers weigh cost versus performance, but UV absorbers like this one almost always hold their place as a cheap insurance policy for longevity.
Safety and environmental impacts form the core of ongoing industry challenges. The compound works well, but it brings questions about toxicity in aquatic environments and safe disposal of contaminated waste. Some research teams are investigating biodegradable additives or bio-based alternatives that match the UV protection performance without long lifespans in the environment after use. Manufacturers who invest in closed-loop processing and recovery for these additives make strides in sustainable practice, but the transition costs real money. It begs a broader industry conversation: how to balance lasting product performance with long-term environmental safety? Regulations continue to tighten, with Europe leading the pack, so forward-thinking suppliers are putting resources into safer, greener formulations. These efforts reflect lessons learned over decades of chemical production: every time a new risk gets identified, the smartest companies aim to stay two steps ahead rather than scramble to catch up.
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