Polycaprolactone diol (PCL diol) is a hydroxyl-terminated aliphatic polyester with a molecular weight of approximately 1,250. Its terminal hydroxyl groups provide reactive functionality for polyurethane synthesis, copolymerization, and crosslinking workflows.
Related names: PCL diol, polycaprolactone diol, hydroxyl-terminated polycaprolactone, and polycaprolactone glycol.
This material has a hydroxyl number of 90 mg KOH/g polymer, viscosity of 65–100 cps at 55°C, melting point of 45°C, and density of 1.07. It is used in formulation and polymer synthesis work involving polyurethane elastomers and coatings, biomedical materials, adhesives, and sealants.
Key Properties
- Hydroxyl-terminated aliphatic polyester
- Product Number: 09706
- CAS Number: 36890-68-3
- Linear Formula: H[-O(CH2)5CO-]nOCH2CH2OCH2CH2O[-CO(CH2)5O-]nH
- Molecular weight: approximately 1,250
- Hydroxyl number: 90 mg KOH/g polymer
- Viscosity: 65–100 cps at 55°C
- Melting point: 45°C
- Density: 1.07
- Contains terminal hydroxyl functionality
Applications
Polyurethane Synthesis
Polycaprolactone diol is used in polyurethane synthesis for soft, flexible polyurethane elastomers and coatings where polyester segments and hydroxyl functionality are important to formulation design.
Biomedical Materials
PCL diol is used in biodegradable materials research involving implants, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems where polyester chemistry, molecular weight, and terminal hydroxyl groups are relevant.
Adhesives & Sealants
This hydroxyl-terminated polyester is used in reactive polymer formulations for adhesives and sealants where flexibility, toughness, and polyurethane-compatible functionality are required.
Compatibility & Formulation Considerations
- Terminal hydroxyl groups can participate in polyurethane synthesis, copolymerization, and crosslinking reactions
- Compatibility depends on isocyanates, chain extenders, catalysts, solvents, fillers, and other formulation components
- Processing behavior may vary with temperature, concentration, mixing conditions, and formulation design
- Users should confirm compatibility and performance under the intended reaction and application conditions before scale-up
Final material performance depends on polymer concentration, reactant stoichiometry, catalyst system, curing conditions, additives, and the intended polyurethane, biomedical material, adhesive, or sealant workflow.
Application Tips
- Evaluate formulation stoichiometry and hydroxyl functionality in small-scale trials
- Warm or process under appropriate conditions when viscosity or melt behavior affects handling
- Confirm compatibility with isocyanates, catalysts, solvents, fillers, and other reactive components
- Screen mechanical, thermal, and degradation behavior under the intended use conditions
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature
- Handle as an irritant material
- Use gloves and chemical goggles when handling
- Keep container tightly closed when not in use
- Use standard laboratory handling practices and appropriate personal protective equipment
- Follow the product SDS for complete handling, storage, cleanup, and disposal guidance
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FAQ
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1. What is polycaprolactone diol?
Polycaprolactone diol is a hydroxyl-terminated aliphatic polyester. The terminal hydroxyl groups provide reactive functionality for polyurethane synthesis, copolymerization, and crosslinking workflows.
2. What is the molecular weight of this PCL diol?
This product has a molecular weight of approximately 1,250 and a hydroxyl number of 90 mg KOH/g polymer.
3. What applications is polycaprolactone diol used for?
It is used in polyurethane elastomers and coatings, biodegradable biomedical materials research, adhesives, sealants, and reactive polymer formulation work.
4. Why are terminal hydroxyl groups important?
The hydroxyl groups provide reactive sites that can participate in polyurethane formation, copolymerization, or crosslinking reactions under appropriate formulation conditions.
5. How should this product be stored and handled?
Store at room temperature. Use gloves and chemical goggles when handling, and review the Safety Data Sheet before use for complete handling, storage, cleanup, and disposal guidance.
Safety & Documentation
Review the product specification and Safety Data Sheet before use. Handle as an irritant material with gloves, chemical goggles, and appropriate laboratory precautions. Follow SDS guidance for storage, cleanup, and disposal.
