Commonly used catalysts in the synthesis of polyurethane and its raw materials mainly include tertiary amine catalysts and organometallic compounds. There are many kinds of tertiary amines and organometallic compounds. Considering various factors, there are only more than 20 types most commonly used in polyurethane production.

1.Amine catalysts

Amine catalysts are generally used in the production of polyurethane foams and are mainly divided into the following categories:

Aliphatic amine catalysts include N,N-dimethylcyclohexylamine, bis(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ether, N,N,N',N'-tetramethylalkylenediamine, triethyl Amine, N,N-dimethylbenzylamine, etc.

Alicyclic amine catalysts include solid amines, N-ethylmorpholine, N-methylmorpholine, N,N‘-diethylpiperazine, etc.

Alcohol compound catalysts include triethanolamine, DMEA, etc.

Aromatic amines include pyridine, N,N’-dimethylpyridine, etc.

2. Organometallic catalyst

In the formulations of polyurethane elastomers and adhesives, coatings, sealants, waterproof coatings, paving materials, etc., organometallic catalysts such as dibutyltin dilaurate (DY-12) are most commonly used. They promote the reaction between isocyanate groups and hydroxyl groups. It is very effective, but it also has a certain acceleration effect on the reaction between water and isocyanate in formulas containing moisture; special catalysts such as organic lead can be used in formulas such as plastic runways.

Organometallic compounds include carboxylates, metal alkyl compounds, etc. The metal elements contained mainly include tin, potassium, lead, mercury, zinc, etc. The most commonly used are organotin compounds.