1,3-Butanediol Dimethacrylate belongs to the family of methacrylate esters, products often used as building blocks in polymer chemistry. Exploring its molecular background, this compound carries the molecular formula C12H18O4. In more familiar language, its chemical makeup includes a central butanediol backbone attached to two methacrylate groups, granting it reactivity in various resin and plastic solutions. Measurable by its density, which hovers around 1.0 g/cm³ at room temperature, this material can show up in either liquid form or, less frequently, as a crystalline solid under the right storage conditions. Its CAS number reads 3130-43-8. For international trade, its HS Code comes in at 29161400, specifically falling within organic chemical commodities.
Anyone working with 1,3-Butanediol Dimethacrylate will likely come across it as a clear or pale yellow liquid, owed to its molecular structure. Packing and transport often rely on the liquid state, but flakes and powder forms exist, mainly for specialty applications where precise dosing or reactivity control matter. Solubility in organic solvents stands out as a primary trait, while water solubility stays quite low, a factor in workplace handling. Its refractive index typically lands around 1.45-1.47, signifying the transparent nature many users expect. Boiling points and related data reveal thermal stability within certain manufacturing limits, important for users in ink, adhesive, or coating industries.
This chemical steps into the spotlight where cross-linking, binding, and polymer modification matter. Many industrial resins draw on 1,3-Butanediol Dimethacrylate to improve strength, chemical resistance, and shelf life. Dental materials, specialty plastics, and coatings rely on its methacrylate groups, which lock other monomers into robust networks. Often, producers synthesize it from 1,3-butanediol and methacrylic acid, both familiar feedstocks in chemical plants. As one of the dual-function monomers, it doubles both as a property improver and as a raw material in polymer chemistry, linking up with acrylates, urethanes, and more.
Handling chemicals like 1,3-Butanediol Dimethacrylate takes knowledge and caution, both in the lab and on the plant floor. This compound releases vapors that can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. Direct skin contact often means dryness, redness, or allergic reaction after repeated exposure. Labels rightly mark it as harmful, with warnings about repeated or prolonged contact. In the event of spills, the material may create slip hazards in liquid or pearl form, and powder residues need proper cleaning to avoid accidental dust inhalation. For storage, tightly sealed, non-reactive containers placed at cool temperatures keep volatility in check. Anyone handling this chemical must rely on gloves, goggles, and ventilation—every safety sheet supports this fact. Disposal should conform to regulations for hazardous materials, never poured down the drain or tossed in open garbage.
Factories manufacturing this methacrylate take extra steps to monitor quality, purity, and storage conditions. Consistency means more than controlled reactions—it means regular lab analysis, including FTIR and GC/MS for confirming molecular structure and purity. In the age of global supply chains, regulatory labeling, documentation, and traceability offer reassurance to users downstream. Specific-density records, batch numbers, and purity levels all end up on a certificate of analysis. Manufacturers backing up this transparency rely on international standards for hazardous substances, such as REACH and GHS, to spell out risks and handling clearly. In all production steps, emphasis on minimizing worker exposure and ventilating workspaces should never be an afterthought.
This material highlights the push toward improved chemical performance and safer workplace practices. While it unlocks possibilities in durable materials and advanced composites, its safety profile reminds everyone that chemical innovation means nothing without worker protection and environmental care. With sustainability concerns on the rise, some labs look to formulate with reduced volatile organic content, or to source greener methacrylate building blocks. Others push for closed-loop production, aiming to recycle waste and reduce emissions. From an industry perspective, learning from every safety incident and updating guidelines not only protects employees but also keeps trust strong with end-users and the public. As markets grow and new applications emerge, shared responsibility for transparency and safer chemistry remains crucial for everyone involved.
