Yolatech's m-Xylylenediamine (MXDA, CAS No.: 1477-55-0), also known as 1,3-benzenedimethanamine, is an epoxy resin curing agent belonging to the class of aliphatic amines containing a benzene ring. It has the molecular formula C8H12N2 and appears as a colorless liquid at room temperature.

As an epoxy resin curing agent, it combines the characteristics of both aliphatic and aromatic amines. It features low viscosity and can cure at room temperature. The benzene ring in its molecular structure endows the cured product with superior heat resistance, water resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and chemical resistance compared to ethylene amines. Consequently, it is widely used in casting, bonding, and anti-corrosion coatings. It also serves as a raw material for producing photosensitive plastics, rubber auxiliaries, polyurethane resins, and coatings, as well as an intermediate in organic synthesis.

1. m-Xylylenediamine and its Derivatives

 （1）MXDA → Hydrogenation → 1,3-BAC

• Features:
  • Low viscosity
  • Low freezing point
  • Good gloss

（2）MXDA + ECH → G-328

• Features:
  • Good chemical resistance
  • Good adhesion
  • Good low-temperature properties
  • Low CO₂ absorption

（3）MXDA → Deamination → PMDA

• Features:
  • Good electrical properties
  • Low toxicity
  • High and low temperature resistance

（4）Modified G-328

• Produced by reacting with condensed glycerol ester mixtures
• Features:
  • Good metal adhesion

（5）MXDA + Styrene → Gaskamine 240

• Features:
  • Long operating time (long pot life)
  • Stable color
  • Low CO₂ absorption

2. Synthesis of m-Xylylenediamine (Yolatech MXDA)

(1) Preparation of Isophthalonitrile

Isophthalonitrile is prepared by the ammoxidation of m-xylene with ammonia and air in a fluidized bed catalytic reactor. The catalyst used is V2O5-Cr2O3-SiO2, and the reactor bed temperature is maintained at 400–415℃. The generated isophthalonitrile is collected via thin-walled condensation, then washed with water, dehydrated by centrifugation, and dried to obtain the final product. The consumption per ton of isophthalonitrile is 1200 kg of m-xylene (90%), 1200 kg of liquid ammonia (99%), and 3 kg of catalyst.

(2) Preparation of m-Xylylenediamine

Isophthalonitrile, alcohol, and potassium hydroxide are mixed and dissolved, then added to a high-pressure autoclave, followed by the addition of a Raney nickel catalyst paste. The relevant valves are closed, and the air inside the autoclave is evacuated. The vessel is purged with nitrogen several times until all air is removed. After evacuating the nitrogen, hydrogen is pressurized into the autoclave. Under stirring, the temperature is raised to about 90℃, and the hydrogen pressure is regulated and maintained at 4.5 MPa. Under these reaction conditions, hydrogen is continuously supplied until absorption ceases. The mixture is then cooled, excess pressure is released, and the material is discharged and filtered to recover the catalyst. The filtrate is sent to a fractional distillation unit. The alcohol is first distilled off at atmospheric pressure, followed by vacuum distillation. The fraction collected at 143–147℃ under 1.867 kPa is the finished product.

3. Application Fields of Yolatech MXDA

(1) Epoxy Resin Curing Agent: Accounts for 75% of total consumption, used in anti-corrosion coatings, adhesives, and other fields due to its excellent room-temperature curing performance and low toxicity.

(2) Nylon MXD6: Used as a polymerization monomer to prepare high-performance engineering plastics. It is applied in automotive lightweighting (e.g., Tesla engine components), robot joints, food packaging, and other fields. The global MXD6 market size is expected to exceed $1 billion by 2025.

(3) Pharmaceutical Intermediate: Used in the synthesis of anti-tumor drugs and antibacterial agents, accounting for about 10% of the market.