Cyclohexyl Acrylate belongs to the family of acrylate esters, made by reacting acrylic acid with cyclohexanol. The compound comes through as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a faint ester scent. Its molecular formula is C9H14O2, and its structure contains a cyclohexyl ring attached to an acrylate group, giving it both flexibility and a bit of toughness when added to polymers. Manufacturers use it as a building block in resins, adhesives, coatings, and plastics, benefiting from its ability to add durability, weather resistance, and gloss to finished goods.
Cyclohexyl Acrylate shows up as a liquid at room temperature, with a density of roughly 0.990 grams per cubic centimeter. Its boiling point often goes beyond 200°C, reflecting a solid stability under processing conditions, and its refractive index sits around 1.449, in line with other acrylates. It rarely crystallizes at ambient temperatures and melts just below freezing, which keeps transportation manageable. Solubility favors alcohols and other organic solvents over water, so mixing it into water-based systems takes added surfactants or special handling. The material appears clear and fluid—no flakes, powder, pearls, or solid lumps appear in standard supply, supporting its role as a straightforward ingredient in liquid formulations.
The backbone of Cyclohexyl Acrylate brings together two features: a six-membered cyclohexane ring and the unsaturated acrylate moiety, joined by an ester bond. The double bond on the acrylate portion lets this molecule join chains through free-radical polymerization. That makes it attractive for chemists shaping long polymer strands or adjusting crosslink density in coatings. Its cyclohexyl ring offers rigidity not found in straight-chain acrylate esters. The result is a raw material that balances flexibility and strength, bringing improved resistance to heat distortion and yellowing under sunlight in finished plastics and coatings.
Producers ship Cyclohexyl Acrylate under CAS Number 101-08-0. Shipping and trade systems reference its HS Code, 2916.12, placing it under esters of acrylic acid in customs documentation for global commerce. It usually carries a purity of at least 98%, meaning contaminants fall below 2%. Color often sits at 20 APHA or better, which reflects a clean production process. Acidity measures at less than 100 ppm as acrylic acid, and water content rarely exceeds 0.1%. Storage calls for containers protected from sunlight and stabilized with MEHQ to block unwanted polymerization. Major suppliers provide Safety Data Sheets with each order, emphasizing chemical safety and compliance.
Those working with Cyclohexyl Acrylate should watch out for skin and eye contact, as it can cause irritation. Fumes build up in closed spaces and may irritate airways or prompt headaches and nausea without proper ventilation. It may burn, though its flash point sits above 80°C, putting it at lower risk compared to lighter solvents. Emergency showers and eyewash stations matter in production settings. Standard goggles, gloves, and lab coats keep direct contact in check. The chemical falls under harmful substances for labeling, but not all uses rise to the level of strictly hazardous work. Waste streams must stay out of water supplies, and spill response generally calls for inert absorbents and careful containerization.
Paints, inks, and adhesives have relied on Cyclohexyl Acrylate to reinforce toughness without losing flexibility. The monomer gives end products a long working life, high gloss, and weather resistance, which means less repainting or repair. In plastics, it blends with other acrylates to fine-tune brittleness or add UV protection. Environmental talk points out its tendency to hydrolyze under strong basic or acidic conditions, leading to cyclohexanol and acrylic acid, both of which need responsible disposal. Industry workers have pushed for closed-loop processes and vapor controls to cut down fugitive emissions. Proper training and chemical literacy improve safety and cut down on environmental messes. Some production lines have already swapped in lower-toxicity stabilizers, shrinking risks further.
Cyclohexyl Acrylate starts with cyclohexanol, itself made from oxidation of cyclohexane. Major global suppliers anchor their raw material sourcing in petroleum or natural gas byproducts, which means market pricing tracks bigger upstream energy trends. Producers in China, Europe, and the US account for most of the global flow, and supply chain hiccups occasionally tighten lead times. Chemically, cross-compatibility with sister acrylates like butyl acrylate and methyl acrylate adds buying flexibility for big buyers. End users often compare Cyclohexyl Acrylate to other specialty acrylates based on reactivity, end product properties, and health profile, especially for the wave of water-based and low-VOC applications encouraged by new regulations.
Plant managers push for hands-on instruction before new batches arrive. That means fit-testing PPE, running spill drills, and keeping up with changing regulatory paperwork. Ventilation upgrades serve to cut vapor build-up and keep air handling teams out of trouble. Responsible use requires buying stabilizer-treated grades, rotating stocks to keep shelf time low, and checking drums for leaks before shipment acceptance. Clean workflows and up-to-date training can prevent both on-site injuries and environmental problems. End users take steps to phase in greener processes, relying on shared data from trade associations and full transparency in supply chain reporting. The work isn’t just on paper—it’s a daily routine that pays off in better safety records and less downtime.
