Ethoxyethyl Methacrylate falls under the series of methacrylate esters. It carries the chemical formula C9H16O3 and a molecular weight of about 172.22 g/mol. Chemists often classify it as a specialty monomer, and it serves as a building block in the synthesis of resins and advanced polymers. Examining its structure, the monomer features a methacrylate backbone with an ethoxyethyl group attached through an ester linkage. This design gives it a blend of flexibility and reactivity, making it valuable in tailored polymer manufacturing.
Ethoxyethyl Methacrylate usually comes as a clear, colorless liquid at room temperature. Sometimes, it appears faintly yellow, but it holds a high degree of purity when manufactured under good controls. Unlike common powders or flakes, this liquid state allows for smooth incorporation into polymerization processes. In my laboratory experience, its viscous nature tends to surprise newcomers—it pours less like water, more like light syrup. The density sits around 1.01 g/cm³, about the same as water, so any accidental spill quickly spreads across surfaces. No matter if it's a liter in a drum or a small sample in a vail, a distinct, sweet smell announces its presence.
Focusing on product details, Ethoxyethyl Methacrylate arrives with purity grades ranging from 95% to 99%. The choice depends on how critical the application is; for optically clear coatings or adhesives, minimal impurity levels make a difference. The CAS number is 2370-63-0, and it answers to the HS code 2916140000—helpful information for customs and regulatory filings. Most product sheets define limits for water content (below 0.1%), acidity, and inhibitor additive level, as these factors affect the stability of the monomer during storage. Reliable suppliers offer liquid material, not pearls nor crystals, because crystallization rarely happens under standard storage.
Ethoxyethyl Methacrylate behaves like a typical acrylate ester when exposed to heat and light. It reacts quickly in polymerization, often using peroxide or azo initiators. Uniquely, its side-chain ethoxy group increases solubility in polar solvents, letting it mix with alcohols and ketones without the cloudiness seen in less polar analogues. In the lab, this property offers more formulation options, opening routes to custom blends for hydrophilic coatings. Its double bond makes it quite reactive, so even trace amounts of impurity can kick off unwanted polymerization. Because of this, experienced chemists always check the product for stabilizer content and handle it away from strong light and heat.
This monomer carries recognized hazardous and harmful characteristics. The most immediate risks show up as skin and eye irritation or inhalation hazards. Over the years, I’ve learned that even brief skin contact leaves itching or redness that lingers, so gloves and goggles go from optional to essential. Upsettingly, its vapors can travel unnoticed beyond the workbench, so fume hoods make a real difference. The material forms combustible mixtures with air above its flash point, which sits in the mid-70s Celsius range, according to its safety data sheet. Storing it under nitrogen in well-sealed containers keeps auto-polymerization and fire risk at bay. Most facilities require regular checks of storage temperature, inhibitor levels, and container integrity. Emergency showers, spill kits, and first-aid stations stand close to any working area.
Industrially, Ethoxyethyl Methacrylate offers flexibility in design for specialty polymers. Demand shows up in paints, coatings, medical adhesives, and UV-curable inks. Formulators like myself have found benefits in its ability to lower viscosity, improve flow, and introduce hydrophilicity in hardened polymers. It joins the list of raw materials that let us solve pressing engineering problems in healthcare, electronics, and construction. Market trends demonstrate a rising interest in green chemistry routes to the monomer, as traditional synthetic methods raise sustainability concerns. Continuous research and development seek safer catalysts and lower-energy processes as a way forward. Quality control remains a challenge, particularly for bulk preparation, where trace impurities undermine downstream applications—regular monitoring with chromatography and spectroscopy helps keep things within tight tolerances.
Governments pay close attention to chemical products like Ethoxyethyl Methacrylate, classifying them under hazardous materials shipping protocols. Shipping documents must state the HS code, chemical identity, hazard class, and emergency handling instructions clearly. Facilities handle waste and by-products as hazardous chemical waste, tracking every step. As concern grows over workplace safety and environmental impacts, regulators demand transparent reporting and regular training for anyone handling the material. Industry looks towards safer substitutes and greener synthesis, but for now, focus stays on tight process control, robust personal protection, and close community with emergency responders. Solutions may someday arrive through better synthetic biology methods or more benign raw materials, but everyday users know diligence beats carelessness when health and safety are on the line.
