Study on by-products synthesis of powder coating polyester resin catalyzed by organotin

Abstract In the production of powder-coating polyester, a strong odor emanates from the water, prompting us to investigate its composition and origin. We studied the process of powder coating epoxy/polyester 50/50, which employs butyl tin tris (2-ethyl hexanoate) as a catalyst. The esterified water was extracted using ethyl acetate. It was analyzed via GC–MS to identify the side reactions and by-products that arise during the tin-catalyzed esterification process. Then we discussed their formation mechanism. Our results indicate that butyl tin tris (2-ethyl hexanoate) triggers side reactions such as cyclization and transesterification, leading to the production of by-products such as heterocyclic compounds (1,4-dioxane), anhydride compounds (propionic anhydride), and others. Notably, the unpleasant odor was found to be derived from propionic anhydride. These findings provide insights into the chemistry of tin-catalyzed esterification and highlight the importance of addressing the formation of unwanted by-products in the production of powder-coating polyester.