Divinyl

Divinyl is a chemical descriptor used in organic chemistry to indicate the presence of two vinyl groups (–CH=CH2) within a molecule. It is not a single compound, but a term used in the names of substances that contain two vinyl substituents, such as divinylbenzene and divinyl sulfone.

Divinylbenzene (DVB) refers to benzene bearing two vinyl groups. There are several structural isomers (for example, 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-divinylbenzene); commercial DVB is typically a mixture of isomers. DVB is widely used as a crosslinking comonomer in the production of styrene polymers and resin beads, contributing to mechanical strength and porosity. Divinyl sulfone (DVS) is another divinyl compound, where two vinyl groups are attached to a sulfone, and it serves as a versatile reactive crosslinker for polymers, hydrogels, and adhesives.

Because each molecule contains two vinyl groups, divinyl compounds readily participate in radical polymerization and other addition reactions, enabling the formation of three-dimensional networks. The resulting materials are typically more rigid and resistant to solvents due to crosslinking.

Safety and handling: Divinyl compounds are reactive and can pose health hazards if inhaled or absorbed through the skin; they may polymerize exothermically if contaminated or heated. They should be handled under appropriate industrial hygiene controls, with suitable PPE and storage conditions to minimize exposure and unwanted polymerization.

See also: vinyl groups, crosslinking, divinylbenzene, divinyl sulfone.