Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI)

Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI)

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is produced from phosgene and toluene. The TDI manufacturing process involves several steps. First, toluene is nitrated to make dinitrotoluene. Next, the dinitrotoluene is reduced catalytically, followed by a reaction with phosgene to produce TDI and hydrogen chloride (HCl). TDI is a major raw material for producing urethane foams, both flexible and rigid. Flexible urethane foams, by far the largest TDI end use, are used as bedding, furniture cushioning, carpet underlay, and packaging.