Cyclohexyl acrylate grew out of the dynamic world of acrylic chemistry during the twentieth century, building upon a foundation set by earlier work on acrylates and methacrylates. Chemists saw real potential in tailoring monomers to adjust properties that served industry needs—flexibility, toughness, and specific adhesion. The invention of cyclohexyl acrylate fit this movement, as it combined the reactive acrylic group with a cyclic hydrocarbon that introduced new performance features. Over recent decades, this compound has seen its share of experimentation and has worked its way into several commercial and research applications. Industrial-scale production arrived only after researchers learned to control side reactions and boost yields, which unlocked wider commercial interest in coatings, adhesives, and high-performance polymers.
Today’s cyclohexyl acrylate comes as a clear, colorless liquid, often stored in drums lined to prevent contact with air and moisture. On a storage shelf, it’s just another specialty monomer, but even a small batch can make a difference in changing the behavior of pressure-sensitive adhesives and specialty resins. Different producers may tweak purity and inhibitors to satisfy specific end users, but the backbone cyclohexyl acrylate molecule remains recognizable. Packaging usually includes clear hazard information, with suppliers highlighting its reactivity and sensitivity to light and oxygen. The chemical strikes a balance between volatility and viscosity, letting formulators handle it with standard dosing equipment, even if they need to keep an eye on stability.
At room temperature, cyclohexyl acrylate stays liquid with a boiling point around 216°C and a melting point near -60°C. Its density lands just below 1 g/cm³, and it gives off a faint, sweet odor. Solubility trends show compatibility with most organic solvents, but water doesn’t dissolve it well. Its refractive index sits close to 1.45, a trait that can matter for clear films or specialty optical uses. What stands out is the acrylate function—it’s primed for free-radical polymerization, which drives most of its technical appeal. Oxygen or light exposure kickstarts unwanted reactions, so labs and factories handle it with stabilizers and dark containers to keep surprises at bay.
Cyclohexyl acrylate bottles and drums arrive with detailed safety labeling, hazard pictograms, and purity specs, meeting standards set by REACH in Europe and TSCA in the US. Pure material often ranges from 98% to 99.5% with inhibitors like MEHQ (monoethylhydroquinone) added between 50 to 200 ppm. Labels must mention the acrylic monomer tag, risk phrases, and recommendations for gloves and goggles. Any manufacturer worth its salt provides certificates of analysis, which spell out the actual composition and trace impurities. Each shipment highlights batch-specific data—date of synthesis, expiration date, and recommended storage temperature—making traceability straightforward when dealing with recalls or shelf-life challenges.
Most commercial cyclohexyl acrylate starts as cylohexanol, which reacts with acryloyl chloride or acrylic acid in the presence of a catalyst. The process leans on esterification, usually run in solvent systems that absorb released acid and speed purification. Early-stage reactions require active cooling, since things heat up quickly with strong acids around. Afterward, organic extraction and distillation steps fine-tune the purity and clear out leftover starting materials. Production managers tend to favor continuous processing to keep yields high and byproducts low. Operators sit at the intersection of chemistry and engineering, always watching for off-notes that signal impurities—these can shut down an entire lot with one out-of-spec test.
Cyclohexyl acrylate stands out for its readiness to enter free-radical polymerization. With the turn of a switch or a dollop of initiator, the acrylate double bond reacts—forming homopolymers or copolymers, depending on the formulation in the reactor. In the lab, this monomer combines with things like methyl methacrylate or butyl acrylate, pushing the needle on flexibility, adhesion, and resistance to yellowing. Researchers also study cyclohexyl acrylate as a backbone for grafting reactions, acetylation, and crosslinking with multifunctional reagents, spawning high-performance coatings or pressure-sensitive adhesives. Modification sometimes means preparing prepolymers, which deliver better film-forming properties or tune the glass transition temperature for special tapes and foams.
Cyclohexyl acrylate turns up in catalogs under several names. You’ll find it as 2-Propenoic acid, cyclohexyl ester, or cyclohexyl 2-propenoate. The CAS number, 3110-05-6, stays constant. Trade names pop up depending on supplier—Acralyn CH, CyHA, or simply CHA sometimes mark up the label. Chemical distributors and specialty resin makers may sell proprietary blends or pre-inhibited stocks, but the molecule doesn’t vary. In technical sheets, the shorthand often reads "CHA" in polymer science literature, helping researchers stay clear whether they’re comparing acrylates or methacrylates.
Chemists and operators in plants respect cyclohexyl acrylate’s potential hazards. Inhalation or skin contact leads to irritation. Since it is a strong skin sensitizer, exposure limits fall in line with other reactive acrylic monomers. Workplaces require gloves, goggles, and well-vented hoods; spills get quickly wiped up and container seals checked twice. Literature points to unstable behavior under strong light or elevated temperature, so stabilizers go into every factory batch. Most users store it in cool rooms away from oxidants and acids, making sure the right fire protections are in place. Waste streams go through special treatment—direct discharge is off the table because of toxicity and run-off risks.
Cyclohexyl acrylate finds traction wherever performance counts. In coatings, it helps toughen up films that need impact resistance or solvent stability—think can lacquers or specialty primers. Adhesive makers reach for it to build products that grip well, but also peel cleanly. Polymers using this monomer tend to stay flexible under stress, which plays into labels, tapes, and protective films. Dental materials, electronics encapsulation, and 3D printing resins all edge into its orbit, chasing the balance between processability and performance. Real-world users value its combination of reactivity and backbone stiffness, slotting it in for jobs where other acrylates fall short.
Polymer science keeps cyclohexyl acrylate on its radar for both existing and next-generation materials. Researchers dive into copolymerization experiments—pairing CHA with polar and nonpolar monomers to fine-tune thermal and weathering properties. Surface coatings labs dig into crosslinking density and hydrolytic stability, always pushing for longer life or higher flex. Some studies look at functionalizing the cyclohexyl ring with additional groups, bringing in UV absorption or antimicrobial traits. As regulatory pressure grows, teams now test greener production pathways that use less toxic catalysts or greener solvents. I’ve seen more collaboration across borders and disciplines, especially as sustainability goals shift development priorities.
Even though cyclohexyl acrylate unlocks a world of materials, the toxicology file keeps growing. Researchers and regulatory bodies cite moderate acute toxicity, especially in vapor or liquid contact with exposed skin or mucous membranes. Occupational health studies point toward allergy risk and delayed hypersensitivity, prompting regular monitoring of workers and air quality controls. Animal studies drive most long-term hazard data. The molecule doesn’t break down easily in water, so environmental scientists now track its behavior and breakdown products in wastewater streams near chemical plants. Fact-based debate still plays out whether new regulatory limits keep pace with industrial demand, but the trend shifts to tighter standards and personal protective equipment.
Demand for durable, specialized polymers will likely carry cyclohexyl acrylate into new uses. Growth in electronics, medical devices, and optical technologies calls for monomers that balance reactivity and strength—traits CHA provides. I see interest in sustainable synthesis ramping up, as industry seeks to move away from harsh acids and fossil-derived precursors. Researchers keep a close eye on how CHA-based materials age, how they stand up under field stress, and ways to recycle or degrade them safely. Competition includes bio-based acrylates and new hybrid monomers, yet the technical edge of CHA keeps innovators returning to its chemistry. Open access to data and transparency in toxicology will make sure industry, regulators, and communities stay on the same page as applications broaden and safety standards tighten.
Cyclohexyl acrylate doesn’t show up on grocery lists, but it holds a quiet spot in modern manufacturing. This clear, slightly oily liquid rolls off chemical drums in lab settings and heads right into factories. If you’ve ever gripped a slick phone case, admired a glossy outdoor sign, or watched paint dry on furniture, you’ve brushed up against its impact.
Cyclohexyl acrylate plays a role as a building block. Smart chemists mix it with other acrylics to give final products useful features—whether you want things to repel water, last out in the sun, or stretch without snapping. Its main audiences: paints, coatings, and adhesives. These are products we rely on daily but usually take for granted.
Across the coatings industry, blending cyclohexyl acrylate into paint leads to films that flex a little and stay tough. Car finishes, for example, face rain and shine and don’t flake off easily thanks in part to this ingredient. In adhesives, it helps glues hold on but not become brittle—a little give stops cracks from spreading.
I’ve worked with builders looking for wood finishes that outlast the weather. Shops favor formulas using cyclohexyl acrylate because it responds well to harsh conditions. Flooring and furniture makers depend on coatings built with it for wear resistance. Even the printing world—think labels that stick to just about anything—benefits from how it tweaks polymers.
It’s not just about sticking things together or adding shine. Cyclohexyl acrylate ends up in specialty plastics, giving molded items enough flexibility without chewing up strength. Medical device makers look for these features when designing tools and housings that must withstand cleaning chemicals. Even nail polish owes some of its chip resistance to similar acrylics.
Cyclohexyl acrylate isn’t friendly to human skin or lungs in raw form. Factories that use it pay attention to exhaust systems and safety gear. While making paints and plastics, limits on exposure keep people and the environment safer.
Disposal remains a sticking point. Chemical waste, when handled poorly, ends up in water or soil. Industry insiders keep an eye on tightening rules. Without strong oversight, hazardous leaks can go unnoticed. Watching for leaks, recycling solvents when possible, and training workers all help curb the risks.
The world wants products that last longer but don’t pollute more. Scientists push for new blends that require smaller amounts of cyclohexyl acrylate or tap safer alternatives. Some labs work to create biodegradable acrylate monomers, reducing the lifespan of waste. Clearer labels, easier tracking, and more cooperation between chemical makers and recyclers build a cleaner pipeline.
Every glossy sign or weatherproof coat tells the story of ingredients like cyclohexyl acrylate. Knowing what goes into things around us shapes smarter choices—from the factory floor to the shelves. Responsible use, constant review, and a push for safer options drive progress, and that’s worth paying attention to—no matter what product you hold in your hand.
Cyclohexyl Acrylate has found its place in modern industry—making plastics flexible, paint smoother, and adhesives stronger. Many folks just see the end products on shelves, like shiny car bumpers or tough coatings. Most never stop to think what happens behind closed doors in labs and factories. As someone who’s worn a splash-goggles and steel-toed boots, I know these chemicals only look “ordinary” till something goes sideways.
Reading the label gives you one story, but anyone handling a drum of this liquid learns quickly why you don’t skip training. Jargon like “irritant” on the Safety Data Sheet may sound tame, but a splash on your skin starts to burn soon enough. Touching your eyes after working with the stuff is far worse. It stings, and you don’t forget. Splash exposure cases account for many work-related injuries every year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The fixes: lab coats, chemical-resistant gloves (not vinyl—nitrile or butyl rubber stand up far better), and face protection. These extra seconds suiting up often mean the difference between ending your day with a story or a trip to urgent care.
It’s tempting to forget about fumes when pouring clear liquids, but the sharp odor from Cyclohexyl Acrylate should be a warning. Solvents and monomers don’t just settle—they travel right up your nose and straight to your lungs. Studies from the National Institutes of Health tie repeated exposure with headaches, dizziness, and more serious long-term issues. Ventilation isn’t just a box to check. Opening a window or using a local exhaust hood pulls harmful vapors away and keeps everyone’s heads clear. I’ve seen what happens when a poorly ventilated space starts filling with fumes—work grinds to a halt, and no one feels right for hours.
Cyclohexyl Acrylate burns fast and hot. Static sparks, pilot lights, even an old extension cord can set off a fire if containers aren’t sealed tight. Remembering to avoid open flames isn’t an abstract rule—it’s a habit learned by those who’ve seen how little it takes for a fire to start. Storing containers in cool, labeled cabinets, keeping sources of ignition away, and securing spill kits close by makes a big difference. Fire drills may sound tedious, but in a real emergency, coordination saves time and lives.
Tightening every cap, keeping work areas free from clutter, and double-checking transfer pumps might feel like nitpicking, but anyone who’s cleaned up acrylate off a floor knows the risks. Spilled Cyclohexyl Acrylate gets slippery and sticky fast. The worst part—polymerization can take off if it hits certain chemicals or too much heat. Training staff to handle cleanup right away and using absorbent pads stops the problem from spreading.
Online safety modules don’t show you what slippery gloves feel like after rinsing cyclohexyl acrylate off a workbench. That kind of experience comes from hands-on training, real-life drills, and strong communication. Encouraging everyone to speak up when a step gets skipped keeps the whole team safer. I’ve seen new hires ask questions that stopped bigger mistakes from happening. OSHA guidelines, regular refresher courses, and simple reminders for old hands and rookies alike build a culture of safety that becomes second nature, and this keeps the doors open and accidents low.
So many of us don’t give chemicals a second thought, but industry folks know Cyclohexyl Acrylate shows up in coatings, adhesives, and specialty polymers. This liquid carries a faint, sweet smell, much like other acrylates. If you’ve ever handled acrylates before, you’ll spot its signature pungency right away. Colorless and slightly thick, it doesn’t blend with water but loves organic solvents. These little quirks shape how companies use it, especially in paints and plastics.
Chemists often keep an eye on basic properties to gauge handling safety and storage needs. Cyclohexyl Acrylate boils between 227 and 229°C. Pour some in an open area, and it evaporates gradually, not rushing into the air the minute temperatures rise. The chemical’s density measures up at about 0.994 grams per cubic centimeter—heavier than water but still easy to pump through pipes and mix with other ingredients. On the freezing side, the liquid locks up around -69°C, so it handles most storage conditions with ease.
On the molecular scene, Cyclohexyl Acrylate lets its acrylate group steal the show. This piece of the molecule loves linking up with others, which matters a lot in making plastics and resins. A standard risk comes from its ability to react quickly—monomers like this can form polymers if exposed to heat, light, or certain chemicals. Sometimes, a stray spark or drop of acid kicks off the process too soon, leading to runaway reactions. Manufacturers often add stabilizers—stuff like hydroquinone—to keep things calm until they’re ready to use it on the production line.
Its structure gives it decent resistance to UV, which doesn’t just keep products looking fresh—it also helps coatings hold up outside for years. You see Cyclohexyl Acrylate tucked into formulas that need scratch resistance, improved flexibility, and a certain toughness you can’t get from plain old methyl or ethyl acrylate. Because it slides easily into different chemical mixes, it supports innovations in heat-set paints and specialty pressure-sensitive adhesives. Some car parts, furniture coatings, and high-performance printing inks use monomers of this sort for exactly these reasons.
People who work around Cyclohexyl Acrylate know skin exposure means trouble—acrylates tend to irritate. Splashes can sting, and even vapors may bother the lungs after a while. Wearing gloves, goggles, and working in ventilated spaces isn’t just paperwork safety—it's real-world advice. The chemical itself doesn’t hang around in groundwater for long, though excess dumping causes problems for fish and other wildlife.
Releases to the air call for local controls. Most companies set up vapor recovery or scrubbers that catch these fumes before they escape into the neighborhood. I’ve seen research from the European Chemicals Agency showing Cyclohexyl Acrylate breaks down in the environment over several days—but only if exposure stays low. Persistent leaks, spilled drums, and messy work habits pile up. That’s how what looks like a benign industrial monomer turns into a nuisance for folks downwind or downstream.
Blending safer-by-design chemistry into standard manufacturing means less Cyclohexyl Acrylate floating around outside the plant. Improved glove materials and smarter ventilation keep workers protected. Researchers keep searching for new monomer tweaks that hold onto the performance but lighten the load on workers and waterways. Getting chemical handling right is more than textbook compliance—it’s about respecting the people and places that support these industries in the first place.
Cyclohexyl acrylate stands out as a versatile monomer in coatings, adhesives, and plastics. Working with chemicals like this, I’ve seen how routine slips can lead to headaches or even hazards down the road. People often grab a drum and stash it wherever there’s space, but this approach invites trouble. Storing acrylic monomers like cyclohexyl acrylate calls for a careful setup, not guesswork.
Cyclohexyl acrylate stays stable for a while under cool, dry conditions. It’s not picky about freezing, but heat creates risk. Once I left a sample on a shelf near a boiler, thinking, “What’s the worst that could happen?” A week later, the whole lab buzzed about an odd smell and sticky residue—an early sign of polymerization. Most manufacturers recommend keeping this monomer below 25°C (about room temperature), away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Unintentional warming bumps up reaction rates, which means the whole drum could polymerize in place. That turns useful material into a solid block, and cleanup costs go through the roof.
Oxygen creeps in through loose lids or cracked seals. Once, I caught a coworker pouring monomers with the door wide open. They thought a quick transfer wouldn’t hurt, but oxygen lays the groundwork for unwanted reactions and breakdown. Even small leaks feed slow, silent spoilage. From my experience, proper sealing matters as much as anything else. Use containers with snug lids—ideally nitrogen-blanketed, which pushes out air and reduces the odds of oxidation. Light plays a quiet but destructive part as well, so keep containers shaded. For serious volumes, I’ve seen companies build dedicated, dim storage rooms.
Most suppliers ship cyclohexyl acrylate with added stabilizers, like MEHQ or hydroquinone, to slow down polymerization. These additives protect you, but they don’t last forever. I remember a summer rush where shipments sat longer than usual; the stabilizers decayed, and the product thickened, clogging pumps and costing time. Check each shipment for “best by” dates and look for discoloration or viscosity changes. Rotate stocks so older drums get used up before new arrivals.
Inhalation remains a real concern. Cyclohexyl acrylate vapors cause headaches and irritation. A window with a fan doesn’t cut it—only real ventilation will do. In my early years, we swapped urban legends about “tough” workers who skipped gloves and masks. Those guys racked up more doctor visits for skin rashes than anyone else. Today, regulators like OSHA and the European Chemicals Agency stress well-ventilated, worker-spaced storage zones to minimize exposure. Spill kits and proper signage help, but nothing beats consistent staff training.
Industry experience teaches sharp lessons. Careful storage respects both the material and the people working with it.
Cyclohexyl acrylate doesn’t sound like something you’d find in your kitchen, but anyone working in adhesives, coatings, or specialty plastics might run across this clear, slightly sweet-smelling liquid. This isn’t the stuff you leave out on the counter, though. Its shelf life actually matters—for safety, performance, and value.
From my own runs in manufacturing environments, I’ve learned that you can’t ignore the clock with this material. Every drum or container wears a label showing the manufacturing date and the recommended expiry. Most manufacturers put the shelf life at around 12 months when you keep it under 25°C (77°F) in a tightly closed, moisture-free container. That number isn’t just for show. Exposure to light, heat, or air can kick off polymerization, leaving you with a gummy, useless mess.
One time, I saw a supplier ship material that was only a month past its “best by” date. Even with all the right storage, the contents already thickened. That bottle made it clear—the clock on cyclohexyl acrylate doesn’t stop after the trip from the warehouse. Quality reviews back this up. Old stock nearly always fails stability testing, and nobody wants to risk jamming a production line over a bottle of stale monomer.
Shelf life isn’t a trivial detail for businesses—especially those using this acrylate in performance coatings or resins. Once cyclohexyl acrylate starts breaking down, small changes show up in product quality. For adhesives, poor shelf life can mean a bond that never really sticks. In coatings, a tiny bit of early polymerization can make films streak, haze, or dry too fast. Even a drop in purity can mess up reaction rates and cause off-spec batches. In 2023, a survey by the European Chemicals Agency showed that one in ten inspections found improperly stored or outdated stock of acrylics, which pushed costs up for disposal and replacement.
If you ever worked in a production facility, you’d know it’s not just about chemistry—it’s dollars lost, safety risks, and customer complaints. Nobody wants to call a customer explaining a delay traced back to expired feedstock.
It’s easy to think about a “cool, dry place” as a throwaway line. In reality, a few degrees too high on the thermostat, or seals that don’t hold up, and shelf life comes crashing down. Companies tracking expiration dates with simple spreadsheets end up missing details. On the other hand, facilities using barcode tracking and automated inventory reminders have a much better record for keeping only what they can use before it ages out.
I’ve worked with teams setting up double-locked storage and climate controls with sensor alarms. We trained staff to rotate stock—first in, first out—so the oldest never lingered. Regular inspections, even just a monthly walk-through, can spot the signs of spoilage early. For places just getting started with chemical controls, getting serious about temperature logs and records makes it much easier to defend decisions during audits.
Going past the official shelf life on cyclohexyl acrylate means gambling with more than just paperwork. It’s about real costs, safe working conditions, and meeting specs that the market expects. Don’t cut corners on storage. It’s not worth the lost product, time, or reputation.
