Bisphenol A

January 09, 2012
Image of Bisphenol A 3D Image of Bisphenol A

Bisphenol A (BPA), first synthesized by A. P. Dianin in 1891, is used to make polycarbonates and epoxy resins. It is produced by condensing 2 equiv phenol with 1 equiv acetone (from which the A in its name is derived). BPA is a weak hormone, and small amounts of it in plastics used in food containers have raised concerns about the plastics’ safety. Canada and the European Union have banned its use in baby bottles.

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