3-(Diethoxymethylsilyl)Propyl methacrylate comes from the organosilane family of chemical compounds and plays a role in bridging the chemistry between organic polymers and inorganic surfaces. Recognized by its chemical formula C13H28O5Si, this compound features a methacrylate group linked through a propyl chain to a silane core, further attached to two ethoxy groups and a methyl substituent on the silicon atom. KEGG records identify this molecule with the CAS number 14513-34-9 and its HS Code often falls under 2920909090, marking it under other organic-silicon compounds for customs and international trade. Its molecular weight sits at 292.44 g/mol, providing a clear baseline for calculations in formulation labs.
At room temperature, 3-(Diethoxymethylsilyl)propyl methacrylate presents as a clear to slightly yellowish liquid, not a powder, flake, crystal, or pearl form. This transparency makes it easy to assess purity visually, which proves critical in advanced material work. The density usually hovers around 1.0 to 1.05 g/mL at 25°C, matching the expectations for low-molecular-weight organosilanes. It remains soluble in common organic solvents like ethanol, toluene, and acetone, yet shows limited solubility in water—hydrolysis can occur, breaking down the silane groups. The boiling point pushes near 100°C at 0.1 kPa, so handling requires sensible ventilation and temperature control. These traits shape its applications from coatings to raw material intermediates.
Chemically, the backbone of this methacrylate features both methacryloyloxy and silane functional groups. The methacryloyloxy segment (from methacrylic acid) delivers polymerizable unsaturation, enabling it to copolymerize with vinyl monomers such as acrylates and styrene through free-radical methods. The (diethoxymethylsilyl) function on the opposite end engages with glass, metals, ceramics, and mineral fillers; the presence of ethoxy groups allows easy hydrolysis under moisture, leading to silanol groups that seek out silicate surfaces for chemical bonding. In composites, adhesives, and coatings, this dual-reacting design locks organic resin matrices to inorganic reinforcement, raising durability and weather resistance.
Commercial grades carry purity from 97% up to 99%, as measured by gas chromatography. Moisture content stays below 0.5% during transport, guarding against premature hydrolysis. Customers find packaging in drums (as standard 25L, 200L) or custom liter quantities by supplier, based upon manufacturing volume. The color remains clear unless decomposition kicks in, signaling oxidation or sequential hydrolysis during long-term storage. Refractive index reaches 1.430–1.440 at the D line of sodium, reflecting uniform compatibility with polymeric systems. As a liquid, it blends easily, and unlike powders, doesn't need advanced mixing to ensure even dispersion.
This is a chemical with moderate volatility and some degree of hazardous classification: contact irritates skin and eyes, inhalation of vapors can disturb mucous membranes, and ingestion poses toxicity risk. Each material safety data sheet (MSDS) includes warnings for wearing gloves, goggles, and using exhaust ventilation. Vapor heavier than air demands diligence in confined spaces. Its hazardous decomposition produces carbon oxides and silicon oxides if burned or overheated. OSHA and international standards offer guidelines for permissible exposure limits, although direct sensory experience in a laboratory points to strong but manageable odors. Labs do not treat it as a non-hazardous material; spills must be handled by adsorbents and safely disposed under local chemical waste regulations.
Manufacturers use 3-(Diethoxymethylsilyl)Propyl Methacrylate as a coupling agent, adhesion promoter, and surface modifier. Fiberglass composites benefit from its ability to improve the interface between glass fiber and matrix resin, translating into stronger construction panels, wind turbine blades, and automotive parts. Paints, sealants, and adhesives use it for enhanced bonding to mineral filler and protective coatings. Wood and cement sealers formulated with this compound exhibit heightened durability. The methacrylate part enables further polymerization; the silane part ensures anchoring at the molecular level.
Quality assurance teams test purity by chromatography, check for specific density and maintain batch records for traceability. The global market supplies this specialty raw material mainly from chemical hubs in the US, Europe, Japan, and China; buyers often request certifications of analysis and inquire about supply chain transparency. Some industries now question the environmental footprint of all silane production, raising the need for greener syntheses or closed-loop recycling where possible. Some research targets sustainable silane sources and more benign byproducts. Realistically, the importance of worker training and ventilation infrastructure cannot be overstated—any lapse could bring exposures and losses.
I have worked with organosilane-modified polymers in coatings and adhesives, and the difference in peel strength and hydrolytic stability consistently outweighs simple cost increases. Over time, automation in dosing systems and closed transfer lines cut exposure, and real-time monitoring through inline spectrometry reduces off-spec batches. Looking toward the future, collaboration between raw material suppliers and environmental authorities will encourage the replacement of hazardous solvents and drive down emissions. Education on correct labeling, storage, and disposal remains a must for new users—from university researchers to industrial formulators—to safeguard people and the environment while still tapping into the capabilities that 3-(Diethoxymethylsilyl)Propyl Methacrylate brings to modern manufacturing and product quality.
