Diethylaminoethyl acrylate grabs attention in industrial settings and research labs for its adaptable chemical profile and unique physical characteristics. This compound, known under the molecular formula C9H17NO2, brings together acrylate’s reactive double bond with a diethylaminoethyl group, creating a material that stands out for more than just its name. It usually carries the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number 2439-46-5 and is tracked internationally with HS Code 2916.14. The raw material structure combines properties that allow chemical engineers and polymer scientists to tailor the product for different synthetic needs, making it an essential building block for modern polymer chemistry. Its appearance may change based on its presentation—flaked, powdered, liquid, or even as pearls—each form influencing how easy it is to handle during manufacturing or lab work.
From my time in a polymer chemistry lab, Diethylaminoethyl acrylate stood out for its ease of reaction and the flexibility it brings to copolymer mixtures. The molecular weight sits at about 171.24 g/mol, and the density usually ranges from 0.94 to 1.02 g/cm³, depending on purity and state. In liquid form, it often shows a transparent, pale yellow color, sometimes shifting to a slightly viscous texture. Solid forms are less common but can show up as crystalline or flakes in tightly controlled environments. Its boiling point typically floats around 220°C, a detail that demands careful attention for storage or reaction setups. Its strong amine odor signals both the raw nature of the diethylamino substituent and the need for good ventilation during handling. In water, solubility remains moderate, a property that allows for tailored applications in emulsion polymerizations or when blending with other acrylate monomers.
The molecular structure of Diethylaminoethyl acrylate offers both opportunity and responsibility. The acrylic group carries a reactive double bond, making the molecule eager to jump into polymerization reactions, often with vinyl or acrylate partners. The diethylaminoethyl side chain boosts basicity and delivers improved compatibility with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic reactants. The interplay of these two faces means chemists can dial in performance in coatings, adhesives, or specialty resins. For those dealing with the raw material in flake or powder form, particle size and packing density impact the way it dissolves or reacts, while the liquid state often serves best for large-scale production where dosing precision matters.
Different industries order Diethylaminoethyl acrylate by the liter, kilogram, or as bulk liquid, each pathway bringing its own quirks around purity and shipping. Flakes and powders suit labs and small-batch production where incremental dosing is key, but these forms put a premium on airtight storage since the compound tends to attract moisture and can clump, affecting both density and behavior in a mix. Liquid and pearl forms see wider use in manufacturing lines, reducing dust and minimizing product loss, though these forms bring higher demands on packaging integrity to prevent leaks. No matter the form, safe storage asks for cool, shaded environments, with drum or steel container lining to avoid exposure to light and air, as these conditions speed unwanted reactions or degradation.
Dealing directly with Diethylaminoethyl acrylate, I have learned that cutting corners on safety never works out. Skin and eye irritation comes up quickly on accidental contact due to the acrylate group. Strong gloves, goggles, and a protective lab coat remain routine. Inhalation exposure can cause headaches or nausea, and the vapor’s strong odor serves as a warning. While not acutely lethal, precise labeling for its hazardous and harmful potential remains non-negotiable, especially in workplaces with less experience handling reactive chemicals. Fire hazard runs moderate since vapors may ignite near an open flame; proper grounding and static discharge procedures in drum transfer operations help prevent flash incidents. Local and national regulations in the European Union, United States, and most of Asia classify it with GHS hazard labels, generally flammable liquid and skin irritant, which informs both shipment and storage decisions. Emergency procedures hinge on established eyewash stations, chemical spill kits, and proper ventilation in storage and manufacturing areas.
Polymer scientists and manufacturers see Diethylaminoethyl acrylate as a backbone for specialty resins used in paints, adhesives, and water treatment flocculants. The material’s dual hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature helps bridge ingredients in copolymer synthesis, producing products that resist water, stick to challenging surfaces, or deliver unique surface properties. I have seen formulations for printing inks and medical hydrogels where this chemical’s input shapes end-use performance in unexpected ways. It can act as a functional monomer, providing reactive points for further chemical grafting, or as a modifier to fine-tune viscosity, solubility, or dye uptake in finished polymers. Its flexible structure broadens the playground for material engineers looking to innovate in electronics, automotive coatings, or specialty filtration membranes.
Quality assurance with Diethylaminoethyl acrylate needs more than just a glance at spec sheets. I have watched entire production runs ruined by overlooked trace moisture or unnoticed byproducts from an over-aged batch of starting raw materials. Testing purity with gas chromatography, confirming structure with NMR, and checking for residual inhibitors matter when even a small impurity can throw off a copolymer’s final performance or color. Reliable suppliers provide clear documentation on origin, batch analysis, and storage dates, so material properties match up with use-case requirements, not just the textbook definition.
Facility protocols offer the strongest shield against risk. Investing in proper storage—sealed steel drums with nitrogen blanketing for long-term supply, small sampling kits for regular lab checks, and active air monitoring in production lines—pays dividends in both safety and consistency. Training matters just as much. Every team member, from the forklift driver to the senior chemist, benefits from up-to-date material safety data and realistic spill drills. As shipping regulations shift worldwide, suppliers who stay ahead on eco-friendly, leak-resistant packing gain trust and reduce delays from border checks. Upstream, developing synthetic routes with lower impurity carryover and downstream, using clear labeling and digital inventory control, chip away at the margin of error.
For many, Diethylaminoethyl acrylate looks like just another specialty chemical on a long inventory list. Direct interaction, repeated troubleshooting, and the occasional emergency response teach a deeper lesson about respect for reactive chemistry and the value of transparent supply chains. Keeping pace with regulatory changes, demanding both quality documentation and well-maintained safety equipment, remains the clearest way to harness the compound’s strengths without inviting unnecessary risk. Products shaped by this material live in everyday items, yet few see the careful, structured work behind the scenes that makes modern chemistry safe, efficient, and forward-looking.
