Reaxis®  C3208

REAXIS® C3208 (Bismuth Neodecanoate) is one the most commonly used specialty metal-based catalysts for polyurethanes. With a long history of usage in a wide range of formulations, Bismuth Neodecanoate is a good benchmark catalyst when either starting development work on new formulations or looking at using lower-toxicity alternatives to organotins. REAXIS® C3208 has a higher bismuth metal concentration and lower free acid content compared to REAXIS® C716. REAXIS® C3208 is supplied with excess free neodecanoic acid to control viscosity. It can be supplied with a wide range of non-acid diluents including mineral oils, polyols, and esters. Similar products include REAXIS® C716 and REAXIS® C716LV.

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Technical Information

  • Product Category Bismuth Carboxylate

  • Chemical Name Bismuth Neodecanoate

  • CAS Number 34364-26-6

Typical Specifications

Parameter Range
Bismuth Content (%) 18.5 - 20.5
Color (Gardner Number) 5 Max
Density (g/ml) 1.1 - 1.2

International Regulatory Listings

  • TSCA (US) Yes

  • DSL (Canada) Yes

  • REACH (EU) Yes

  • AICS (Australia) Yes

  • KECI (South Korea) Yes

  • IECSC (China) Yes

  • TCSI (Taiwan) Yes

  • NZloC (New Zealand) Yes

  • PICCS (The Philippines) Yes

Applications

Like most bismuth carboxylates, REAXIS® C3208 is commonly used in polyurethane applications. It is used in a wide range of polyurethane applications including coatings, adhesives and sealants, elastomers, foams, and plastics. REAXIS® C3208 is used in applications where toxicity concerns are paramount. In addition to use as a polyurethane catalyst, bismuth neodecanoate can be used in lubricant formulations. 

Reactivity

Use of REAXIS® C3208 as a polyurethane catalyst results in good overall reactivity. A well-balanced cure is achievable given the presence of both a low bismuth metal content and large ligand. Thus, a balanced front-end/pot-life and back-end/ final cure reactivity profile can be achieved. Bismuth Neodecanoate’s reactivity, especially in regard to back-end cure, is greatly improved with the addition of added and exothermically generated heat.  Typical of the bismuth carboxylate family of catalysts, REAXIS® C3208 will catalyze most polyurethanes reactions and is somewhat similar in reactivity to tin-based catalysts; it is primarily selective toward the polyol-isocyanate and water-isocyanate reactions. REAXIS® C3208 is hydrolytically stable within typical formulation moisture levels, but this stability will break down with increasing moisture content. In general bismuth carboxylates exhibit a lower hydrolytic stability compared to organotins. 

Package & Storage

Packaging

  • 44 lb (20 kg) plastic pail
  • 440 lb (200 kg) steel drum

Storage

REAXIS® C3208 should be stored in the original packaging at moderate temperatures and kept from freezing. The container should be closed tightly after each use to maximize shelf life. Characteristic of most Bismuth Carboxylates, the primary cause of instability would be hydrolysis. 

Safety and Handling

Before use of Reaxis products please refer to the relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for safety and toxicological data as well as for the information on proper transportation, storage, and use. SDSs are available by request via our web site reaxis.com, contacting your local representative, or emailing direct to techservices@reaxis.com.

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This information is provided to the best of our knowledge but without obligation. Reaxis is not liable for any incorrect or missing information. This data sheet becomes invalid upon publication of a new version. Please contact us for the latest version.

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