Bio-Ethyl Acrylate carries the full name Ethyl 2-propenoate and holds the molecular formula C5H8O2. This compound sits in the family of acrylate esters, identified by the presence of an acrylate group attached to an ethyl chain. Materials scientists see it in liquid form at room temperature. The density registers around 0.92 g/cm³, and the boiling point clocks in close to 99°C at atmospheric pressure. Usually clear and colorless, this liquid offers low viscosity and a sharp, uncommon odor. As a raw material, its bio-based origin distinguishes it from fossil-based acrylates, promising a more sustainable alternative for certain industrial segments.
Industrial suppliers distribute Bio-Ethyl Acrylate in a handful of standard container forms. Drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), and high-integrity glass or plastic bottles store it as a liquid for laboratory use. Solid, powder, flakes, pearls, crystal, or granular forms do not exist for this compound at room temperature because its melting point stays below freezing, keeping it in liquid phase under normal storage conditions. Solutions of Bio-Ethyl Acrylate sometimes appear in water or solvents, tailored for polymer synthesis or coatings. Each batch follows a strict quality assessment focusing on purity, moisture content, and residual monomer levels.
The chemical structure involves a propenoate group coupled through its carbonyl carbon with an ethoxy group. The carbon backbone shapes both reactivity and solubility. A simple linear skeleton with a short ethyl group pushes the liquid’s volatility; this property means the compound evaporates quickly, which is useful in polymerization and certain resin applications. The molecular weight stands at 100.12 g/mol, fitting cleanly among light acrylates. Water solubility stays quite low, but it mixes well with common organic solvents like ethanol, acetone, and benzene. High vapor pressure speaks to the compound’s readiness to escape into the atmosphere, and this trait can affect how workplaces must handle ventilation and containment.
Global regulatory bodies recognize Bio-Ethyl Acrylate under HS Code 291612, used for ethyl acrylate derivatives and similar compounds. This code streamlines international shipping documents, customs declarations, and trade records. Manufacturers and importers refer to this classification, crossing borders for raw material sales, chemical processing, and downstream product manufacturing.
Bio-Ethyl Acrylate does present safety challenges. The compound acts as an irritant to skin, eyes, and airways. Liquid contact results in redness or even blistering, while vapors can trigger headaches and respiratory discomfort. At higher concentrations, there’s a potential for acute toxicity. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) identify this compound as flammable, meaning that proper storage away from open flames and ignition sources ranks as critical. Handling usually calls for industrial gloves, splash-proof safety goggles, and chemical-resistant aprons. Spill kits and fume hoods often play their part in labs and production floors. Regulatory oversight, such as the European REACH and U.S. EPA lists, track permissible exposure limits and mandate labeling for hazardous materials. Workers need regular training, and process facilities build redundancy into their extraction and exhaust systems to curb accidental releases.
Polymer and coatings manufacturers call on Bio-Ethyl Acrylate as a core monomer in the production of paints, adhesives, and specialty resins. Its ability to participate in free-radical polymerization creates polymers for use in medical devices, elastomers, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and surface coatings. Inks and textile treatments frequently benefit from quick evaporation and strong adhesion properties. The push toward greener chemistry drives the shift from oil-derived acrylates to bio-based ones, allowing eco-conscious companies to market sustainable alternatives. Sourcing the material from biomass further lowers the carbon footprint, proving important for manufacturers looking to meet regulatory or consumer-driven environmental targets.
Quality control in Bio-Ethyl Acrylate production involves careful monitoring of purity, acidity, and the presence of unwanted polymerization inhibitors. Even trace amounts of metal ions or water can prompt premature reaction and spoil entire batches. Producers pack this material in high-grade, tightly sealed containers. Temperature controls keep it below ambient heat, reducing vapor pressure and chances of accidental release. During shipping and storage, companies rely on inert atmospheres or stabilizers, such as hydroquinone, to halt unwanted polymerization. Routine inspections of tanks and valves catch early signs of corrosion or leaks, avoiding unintended workplace exposure.
Discussion on the future of chemical industry sustainability rarely skips Bio-Ethyl Acrylate. Bio-sourced origin reduces upstream fossil carbon release, but responsible use and end-of-life handling remain essential. Waste streams containing this chemical require careful incineration or physical capture, because release into water or soil brings eco-toxicity concerns. Long-term inhalation or exposure can irritate workers and may compound the risk of chemical sensitivity disorders. In practice, wastewater treatment and advanced scrubbers on exhaust stacks serve as necessary guards against community and environmental exposure.
