2-Phenoxyethyl acrylate stands as a specialized organic compound used in chemical manufacturing, polymer science, and the production of coatings, adhesives, and inks. Blending a reactive acrylate group with a phenoxyethyl backbone, this chemical brings a unique blend of flexibility, chemical resistance, and reactivity. Its practical name gives away a lot: the structure consists of an acrylate group linked to a phenoxyethanol chain. Most people who work in plastics, paints, and ink formulation have handled variants of it, knowing well its impact on material performance.
Taking a close look at the molecular side, 2-Phenoxyethyl acrylate carries the formula C11H12O3. Its molecular weight hovers around 192.21 g/mol. The structure carries an acrylate group (a vinyl functional group attached to a carboxylic acid ester) hooked to an ethylene bridge, which in turn links up to a phenyl-oxygen moiety. This particular arrangement gives the molecule interesting flexibility and adhesive potential. Its physical layout, with an aromatic ring at one end and a reactive double bond at the other, accounts for both strong interaction with light (aromatics often give UV absorption or color stabilization) and rapid bonding in polymer chains.
People working with 2-Phenoxyethyl acrylate mostly recognize it as a colorless to pale yellow liquid. A faint, slightly sweet odour emerges from opened containers—typical of many acrylate monomers. Density readings land in the 1.11-1.13 g/cm3 range at room temperature, which means it sits a bit heavier than water but still pours with ease. As for solubility, water has little effect since the molecule leans toward organic solvents. Many folk in the coatings industry like its compatibility with monomers and resins, appreciating the way it mixes with acrylates such as butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and other polyester-based resins. In laboratory use, it flows easily and combines with other acrylate blends to create tough, chemical-resistant polymers. The range of appearances runs from clear liquid to faintly yellow liquid; rarely does one see it as a powder, flakes, pearls, or crystal, though researchers occasionally isolate small solid samples for analytical tests.
Manufacturers offer 2-Phenoxyethyl acrylate as a raw material in the production of UV-curable coatings, specialty adhesives, 3D printing resins, and surface finishes. Its reactive double bond promotes rapid polymerization under UV or electron beam curing, which proves essential in electronics manufacturing, automotive topcoats, and screen printing inks. People chase specific qualities: better scratch resistance, strong flexibility, and useful adhesion to plastic, glass, or metal surfaces. The chemical lands in the hands of ink formulators seeking reliable print performance, and lab technologists keen on high-gloss surface coatings. With its molecular profile, the material keeps its place in many new product launches, from next-generation adhesives to optically clear resins.
Product specifications for 2-Phenoxyethyl acrylate typically cover purity rates (ranging upwards of 98%), acid value, moisture content, color index (using APHA scale), and presence of inhibitors for stabilizing the monomer during storage. Typical containers range from laboratory bottles to mass stainless steel drums. Commercial producers include stabilizers, such as MEHQ (methyl ether hydroquinone), to prevent runaway polymerization in transit or while sitting on a warehouse shelf. Specification sheets call out maximum acid content—usually below 0.1%—since uncontrolled acidity might trigger undesired polymerization or degrade storage life. Having received bottles from suppliers, I always check for cloudiness and test with a quick FTIR scan to ensure it's not picking up moisture, as this can shift reactivity. Given its industrial importance, producers regularly batch-test for purity and provide lot-numbered traceability.
For customs and shipping, 2-Phenoxyethyl acrylate falls under the Harmonized System (HS Code) 2916.12. This code applies broadly to “acrylic acid and its esters,” so regulators and logistic agents avoid confusion and ensure the right documentation during international trade. This system helps keep import duties, labelling, and risk communication consistent across countries. The HS Code matters for compliance and traceability—essential aspects for anyone moving chemicals between factories, labs, and borders.
Every lab or industrial site handling 2-Phenoxyethyl acrylate needs to treat it with respect. Like many acrylates, this compound brings health and safety considerations. From direct experience and validated by official data sheets, skin contact can irritate, prolonged inhalation of vapours may cause headaches or respiratory discomfort, and eye exposure causes pain and redness. Proper ventilation and use of gloves, goggles, and splash protection gear form the baseline of safe handling. Operator training stresses the importance of containment, with local regulations often requiring fume hoods and chemical-resistant worktops. Fire risk comes into play as the material is classified as a combustible liquid; it can generate vapour-air mixtures that ignite if not stored and processed with the right procedures. Chemical compatibility also matters: never mix with strong oxidizers or acids, since unintended reactions can release dangerous byproducts or waste money through spoiled product batches. Spills call for inert absorbents and methodical cleanup protocols—no shortcuts, even during busy shifts.
Years of experience show that chemical safety has to be part of the workplace culture, not just a line item in a manual. People cut corners in the name of efficiency and face real-world consequences: skin reactions, vapor leaks, unnecessary fire alarms. One practical step is to invest in automatic ventilation sensors and ensure all operators use personal protective equipment every shift, even in summer heat. Storage in temperature-controlled spaces reduces polymerization risk, while transparent labelling makes sure the next person pulling a drum knows hazards at a glance. For environmental responsibility, users must plan recycling and waste disposal well in advance; never release any excess material to industrial drains or the environment. Big industrial sites integrate chemical inventory logs and automated spill response tools, allowing teams to respond quickly. Suppliers can help by delivering clear, no-nonsense safety data, translated where necessary. In new manufacturing plants or research pilot lines, investing early in solid engineering controls and routine safety audits pays dividends in reliability and peace of mind.
2-Phenoxyethyl acrylate comes from the esterification reaction between acrylic acid and 2-phenoxyethanol. Both of these base chemicals have robust global supply chains but nonetheless face fluctuations in price or purity. Environmental controls around acrylic acid production in major markets like China and Europe have grown tighter, influencing the ebb and flow of pricing and delivery times. Downstream manufacturers watch these swings, especially in volatile years, and tend to keep safety stock on hand. Anyone seeking a stable supply chain for products using this acrylate cannot ignore regulatory compliance, regional production capabilities, and supplier reputation. From raw material to finished solution, the entire process benefits most from clear communication, steady sourcing, and disciplined quality control procedures from start to finish.
