Abstract

Toluenediamine (diaminotoluene, m-TDA) is an important industrial chemical intermediate; it is produced in the largest volume of any arylamine and is the lowest priced diamine. The principal use for TDA is in the manufacture of toluenediisocyanate (TDI), the predominant diisocyanate in the flexible foams and elastomers industries. Although all six possible toluenediamine isomers are made in the commercial synthesis, only two products are available commercially. The aromatic toluenediamines undergo typical amine reactions. The general chemistry is similar to that of the phenylenediamines or the cyclohexanediamines. Reactions of industrial importance involving commercial toluenediamines include phosgenation, ring alkylation, alkoxylation, and diazotization. Dinitrotoluenes can be catalytically hydrogenated to toluenediamines under a wide variety of temperatures, pressures, and solvents. Toluenediamine is classified as toxic and is readily absorbed through the skin, which is the major route of human exposure.