opticla brightener ob 184 is a yellow-green powder,be used in plastics, coating,ink,has excellent whitening effect,ob environmental protection effect is good, It has passed the FDA certification.
Product Name：Optical Brightening Agent OB/Fluorescent Brightener OB
Chemical Name：2,5'-Bis[2-(5-tert-buty l-2 benzoxazoly)thiophene
CAS No.：7128-64-5
C.I. No.：184
Molecular Formula：C26H26N2O2N2
Molecular Weight：430
Appearance:slight greenish yellow powder
Melting Point:200-202°C
Purity:≥99%
Key Properties of Optical Brightener OB 184
Before exploring its production, understanding OB 184’s properties is critical:
Chemical Structure: Disodium salt of a distyryl biphenyl derivative with sulfonic acid groups (-SO₃⁻Na⁺), enhancing water solubility and compatibility with polar substrates.
High Brightness: Delivers intense fluorescence with minimal dosage (typically 0.01–0.5% by weight).
Stability: Resistant to heat, light, and chemicals, making it suitable for high-temperature processing (e.g., plastic extrusion, fiber spinning).
Low Toxicity: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for consumer products when used within regulatory limits.
Applications of Optical Brightener OB 184
OB 184 is preferred in industries where whiteness and fluorescence are critical:
Plastics: Enhances whiteness of polyesters (PET), polyamides (PA), polyolefins, and engineering plastics.
Textiles: Brightens synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon) and cotton blends, especially in white or pastel-colored fabrics.
Paper & Packaging: Improves brightness of paper, cardboard, and packaging materials.
Coatings & Inks: Used in paints, coatings, and printing inks to achieve fluorescent white effects.
Optical Brightener OB 184 Powder Factory
Optical brightener OB 184 is primarily produced by specialty chemical manufacturers, with production concentrated in regions with robust chemical industries. Below are key players and insights into the manufacturing landscape:
Raytop Chemical founded in 2006 and based in Jinan, Shandong Province, Shandong Raytop Chemical Co., Ltd. has established itself as a key player in the global optical brightener industry, specializing in the production of high-quality Optical Brightener OB and related additives. Over 17 years of expertise has solidified its reputation as a reliable partner for industries requiring exceptional whiteness enhancement.
Raytop operates three large-scale production bases spanning 120,000 square meters, equipped with 6 advanced workshops and supported by a team of over 260 skilled professionals. This robust infrastructure enables scalable production to meet diverse market demands, from raw material synthesis to final product finishing.
The factory core product line centers on Optical Brightener OB, a fluorescent whitening agent widely used in plastics, synthetic fibers, paper, coatings, textiles, and detergents. Complementing OB, Raytop also manufactures raw materials for brighteners and other plastics additives, ensuring comprehensive solutions for customers.
To guarantee product consistency, Raytop has invested in state-of-the-art testing equipment, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and automatic whiteness meters, enabling precise quality control at every production stage. Coupled with a strict quality management system and dedicated after-sales support, the company ensures its products deliver reliable performance across applications.
As a leader in the optical brightener factory, Shandong Raytop Chemical combines technical proficiency, scalable production, and customer-centric service, making it a trusted choice for global partners seeking high-purity, stable-brightness additives.
3. Production Process of OB 184 Powder
The synthesis of OB 184 involves multi-step organic reactions, typically:
Styryl Biphenyl Synthesis: Condensation of benzaldehyde derivatives with biphenyl to form 4,4'-bis(styryl)biphenyl.
Sulfonation: Introducing sulfonic acid groups (-SO₃H) to enhance water solubility, using concentrated sulfuric acid or chlorosulfonic acid.
Neutralization: Converting sulfonic acid groups to sodium salts (-SO₃⁻Na⁺) via reaction with sodium hydroxide, yielding the disodium salt (OB 184).
Purification & Milling: Crystallization, filtration, and milling to produce a fine, free-flowing powder with consistent particle size (critical for dispersion in substrates).
4. Quality Standards and Certifications
Reputable OB 184 factories adhere to international standards to ensure purity and performance:
ISO 9001: Quality management systems for consistent production.
REACH (EU): Registration, evaluation, and authorization of chemicals (critical for EU exports).
FDA (USA): Compliance for food-contact applications (if applicable).
GB Standards (China): Domestic quality benchmarks for chemical additives.
Sourcing OB 184 Powder: Tips for Buyers
Verify Specifications: Confirm purity (≥98%), particle size (typically 5–20 μm), and solubility (≥50 g/L in water at 25°C).
Request Certifications: Ensure suppliers provide REACH, ISO, or FDA compliance documents.
Test Samples: Evaluate brightness efficiency, thermal stability, and compatibility with target substrates (e.g., PET, nylon).
Partner with Established Factories: Prioritize manufacturers with a track record in the optical brightener industry (e.g., Longsheng, BASF) to minimize supply chain risks.
Conclusion
Optical brightener OB 184 powder is a critical additive in industries requiring exceptional whiteness. Its production is concentrated in global chemical hubs, with leading factories in China, Europe, and India. When sourcing OB 184, buyers should prioritize manufacturers with robust quality controls and certifications to ensure optimal performance in their applications. As demand for high-brightness materials grows—driven by trends in premium packaging, synthetic textiles, and high-performance plastics—OB 184 factories will continue to innovate in synthesis and sustainability.
