Process Monitoring of Bisphenol-A in Industrial Feedstock using High Throughput HPLC Application

The chromatographic method used to monitor the Bisphenol-A manufacturing process was improved using Agilent RRHT Eclipse XDB-C18 columns. These columns use 1.8-μm particles versus conventional 3.5-μm or 5-μm particles. The improved method allowed seven times faster analyses, improved resolution, and higher sensitivity. Introduction Bisphenol-A (Figure 1) is a highly versatile material used to manufacture many modern products. It is also known as 4,4"-Isopropylidenediphenol, 4,4"-(1Methylethylidene) bisphenol, or simply BPA. Process Monitoring of Bisphenol-A in Industrial Feedstock using High Throughput HPLC Application Every year, 2.8 million tons of BPA are produced. BPA is a building block for polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastic is prized for its scratch resistance, optical clarity, and heat and electrical resistance. Because of these attributes, it is used for eyewear, CD/DVD disks, electronics, and food and drink containers. Epoxy resins are used for protective coatings because of their combination of inertness, chemical resistance, adhesion, and formability. For example, metal food cans are lined to protect taste. Epoxy resins are also used as a component in dental sealants and as a component in dental composites providing an alternative to mercury amalgam in veneers and fillings. Other uses include fungicides, polymer antioxidants, and components in automobiles and appliances. BPA is produced through an acid-catalyzed condensation reaction of phenol with acetone. During condensation, a number of phenol-based byproducts are also formed. HPLC is used to determine the composition of many of the process streams in a commercial BPA plant. Here we describe the use of new HPLC column technology for the possible improvement to one of the HPLC methods used in a commercial BPA facility. Process Control