diallyl

Diallyl is a chemical descriptor used in organic chemistry to indicate that a molecule contains two allyl substituents. An allyl group is the three-carbon chain CH2=CH-CH2 that is attached to another atom or group. When a compound is described as diallyl, the two allyl units may be bonded to the same atom or to two different sites within a molecule. The two allyl groups can be connected through oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, or carbon-based cores, giving rise to a variety of diallyl derivatives.

Common examples include diallyl ethers, where two allyl groups are connected through an oxygen atom; diallyl sulfides, where two allyl groups are bonded to sulfur; and diallyl amines or related quaternary ammonium salts, such as diallyl dimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC). Diallyl esters and other diallyl-containing polymers also occur, often serving as reactive intermediates in resin chemistry and plastics production.

Uses and relevance: diallyl compounds are widely used as crosslinking agents and reactive monomers in polymer and resin chemistries. Their vinyl double bonds enable radical polymerization or copolymerization, making them valuable in UV-curable coatings, unsaturated polyester resins, and specialty plastics. Some diallyl salts, notably DADMAC, are used in water treatment and other industrial applications.

Safety and handling: diallyl compounds typically require careful handling to avoid uncontrolled polymerization; inhibitors or stabilizers are commonly used during storage. As with many reactive organics, appropriate PPE and ventilation are advised.

See also: allyl group, diallyl ether, DADMAC.