Reaxis®  C3209

REAXIS® C3209 (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, REAXIS® C3209 is a good benchmark catalyst when either starting development work on new formulations or looking at using lower-toxicity alternatives to organotins. REAXIS® C3209 has a higher bismuth metal concentration and lower free acid content compared to REAXIS® C716. REAXIS® C3209 is supplied with the majority of excess free neodecanoic acid replaced with a lower viscosity ester.  It can be supplied with a wide range of non-acid diluents including mineral oils and polyols.  Similar products include REAXIS® C716, REAXIS® C716LV, and REAXIS® C3208. REAXIS® C3209 is present on most international regulatory lists and is ideal for use in global formulations. 

For more information, we invite you to read our technical bulletins on Novel Bismuth Complexes for Polyurethane Catalysis and Strategies for Improving Back-End Reactivity of Bismuth Carboxylate Catalysts.

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Technical Information

  • Product Category Bismuth Carboxylate

  • Chemical Name Bismuth Neodecanoate (Low Viscosity)

Typical Specifications

Parameter Range
Bismuth Content (%) 18.5 - 20.5
Color (Gardner Number) 3 Max
Density (g/ml) 1.1 - 1.2
Viscosity (cP @ 20°C) 500 Max

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

  • NDSL (Canada) No

  • ENCS (Japan) No

Applications

Like most bismuth carboxylates, REAXIS® C3209 is commonly used in polyurethane applications. It is used in a wide range of polyurethane applications including coatings, adhesives and sealants, plastics and elastomers, and foams. REAXIS® C3209 is used in applications where toxicity concerns are paramount.  In addition to its use as a polyurethane catalyst, REAXIS® C3209 is ideal for lubricant formulations given its low free acid content. 

Reactivity

The use of REAXIS® C3209 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 a large ligand. Thus, a balanced front-end/pot-life and back-end/ final cure reactivity profile can be achieved. Reactivity, especially regarding back-end cure, is greatly improved with the addition of exothermically generated heat.  Typical of the bismuth carboxylate family of catalysts, REAXIS® C3209 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® C3209 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, which could affect the shelf life of the end product.

Package & Storage

Packaging

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

Storage

REAXIS® C3209 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.

Featured Technical Bulletins

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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