An empirical relationship between distribution coefficients of phenols by polyurethane foams and their octanol–water distribution constants and p Ka values

Abstract

Sorption of phenol, 3-cresol, 2-, 3-, 4-nitrophenols, 2,4-, 2,6-dinitrophenol, 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, and 1-naphthol by polyether- and polyester-type polyurethane foams (PUF) was investigated. The effects of sorption time, pH, phenol concentration and the structure of tested phenols and PUF were studied. The mechanism of sorption of tested compounds on foams is discussed. It is shown that the hydrophobicity (log P, octanol–water distribution constant) and p K a values of the compounds play an important role in the sorption process. A regression equation connecting distribution coefficient of phenols by PUF with their hydrophobicity parameter and p K a values were derived. Good correlation between log D and values log P and p K a was observed.