VAZO™ 52 | 2-2′-Azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile)

VAZO 52 | 2-2′-Azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile)

Low-Temperature Activation; Azo-radical Initiator

Vazo 52, known as 2-2′-Azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) is an azo free radical initiator  typically used as a polymerization initiator. Vazo 52 has the lowest initiation temperature within the Vazo product line. This product will thermally decompose to generate free radicals and nitrogen gas. Vazo 52 finds excellent utility as a blowing agent in foams composites. Benefits of Vazo 52 radical initiator include:

• Ideal for low-temperature polymerization
• Does not compete in costly sides reactions
• Low polydispersity; monomer distribution control
• Unaffected by heavy metals, contamination, additives etc
• Can polymerize oxidation susceptible compound

For more information on Vazo radical initiators see our article section

Vazo 52 radical Initiator are essentially insoluble in water, sparingly soluble in aliphatic hydrocarbons, and soluble in functionalized organic compounds and aromatic hydrocarbons. Vazo 67 is significantly more soluble in organic solvents and monomers than the other grades. Caution must be used in the handling of highly concentrated solutions to avoid a self-accelerating decomposition.

Solvent-Soluble Vazo™ free radical sources offer a number of advantages over organic peroxides.

• More stable than most peroxides, so can be stored under milder conditions and are not shock-sensitive.
• Decompose with first-order kinetics; not sensitive to metals, acids, and bases; not susceptible to radical-induced decomposition. This makes Vazo™ free radicals more efficient and predictable than other free radical sources.
• Produce less energetic radicals than peroxides, so there is less branching and cross-linking.
• Are weak oxidizing agents, which lets them be used to polymerize unsaturated amines, mercaptans, and aldehydes without affecting pigments and dyes.
• Are available in four grades to use over a wide temperature range.

For safety, the maximum storage temperatures are as follows: Vazo™ 52 (10°C [50°F]); Vazo™ 64 and Vazo™ 67 (24°C [75°F]); Vazo™ 88 (35°C [95°F]); Shipping is generally done inside cardboard or plastic containers to reveal any internal pressures if the azo compounds are exposed to increased temperature exposure in transit or while in storage.