Ethoxytriethylene Glycol Methacrylate stands out as a key monomer for producing specialty polymers in coatings, adhesives, textiles, and electronics. This chemical, recognized by its molecular formula C11H20O6, belongs to the family of methacrylate esters. It combines the reactivity of a methacrylate group with the flexibility and solubility of the polyether chain. The result is a molecule that brings both compatibility and function to polymer chemistry, especially where versatility in solvent range and hydrophilicity mean the difference between a top product and a failed batch.
The backbone of Ethoxytriethylene Glycol Methacrylate features a methacrylate functional group attached to a triethylene glycol moiety via an ethoxy linker, summarized by the molecular formula C11H20O6. This structure offers a balance between rigidity and mobility—important in formulations where both hardness and flexibility matter. The triethylene glycol unit gives it affinity for water and other polar solvents, letting chemists design coatings or hydrogels with adjustable transparency or swelling.
At room temperature, Ethoxytriethylene Glycol Methacrylate typically appears as a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid, though under certain conditions, solid forms like flakes or powder can crystallize. Its density falls close to 1.08–1.10 g/cm³, placing it just above water, which affects how it layers or disperses in blends. The substance dissolves well in a wide range of solvents—thanks to the ether linkages—and stays stable under standard handling. In practical use, it pours easily and mixes without the clumping associated with more crystalline or granular resins.
For global trade, Ethoxytriethylene Glycol Methacrylate often uses the HS Code 29161400. This positions it among organic acid esters, ensuring regulators and buyers recognize its tariffs, import duties, and logistics needs. Specifications highlight purity of 98% or higher, low water content, and minimal inhibitor residue to provide shelf stability. Product ships in drums, IBC totes, or tanks, with batch-level assays always checked to avoid failures in downstream manufacturing. Regulatory documents, such as safety data sheets, list identifiers like CAS No. 2370-63-0.
Suppliers provide Ethoxytriethylene Glycol Methacrylate primarily in liquid form, since it brings the best processing behavior for mixing and dosing. Some applications call for crystalline or solid powders: researchers might use them for small-scale synthesis or formulation studies. The physical appearance often hints at purity; yellowing or crystallization signals shelf life issues, so quality control remains a priority. In rare cases, pearls or granules offer better dust control, though not common in high-volume industries.
Storing and mixing Ethoxytriethylene Glycol Methacrylate means knowing how it measures out: at around 1.10 g/cm³, a liter weighs just over a kilogram. In multi-ton operations, that density helps avoid miscalculation in dosing or blending tanks. Its solubility profile—the product mixes into water, alcohol, ethers, but resists oil-based segregation—gives engineers flexibility. Workers usually handle it through graduated cylinders or dosing pumps, as its viscosity stays moderate and resists the sloshing or sticking found in heavier glycols.
Ethoxytriethylene Glycol Methacrylate starts life from two key feedstocks: triethylene glycol and methacrylic acid or equivalent methacrylate. The reaction, performed under controlled conditions to minimize byproducts and ensure high conversion rate, shapes purity. Importance rests on sourcing reliable, verified raw materials free from chlorides, heavy metals, and residual solvents—each can interfere with polymerization or affect final performance. Supply chains trace origins to major chemical plants in Europe and Asia, each providing certification for food, pharma, or tech gradation when demand arises.
This chemical, like most acrylates or methacrylates, brings hazards that workers must respect. It acts as a skin and eye irritant, with inhalation of vapors possible if ventilation lacks. Chronic overexposure heightens risk of sensitization or respiratory trouble, documented in industrial hygiene records. Storage requires sealed containers, temperature control, and often a polymerization inhibitor like MEHQ to keep unintended solidification away. Glove and goggle use, spill containment, and clear labeling keep facilities compliant and safe. Environmental handlers watch for accidental releases, as larger spills may affect water tables or aquatic life.
The methacrylate function creates a versatile crosslinking site, compatible with UV, free radical, and redox polymerization. This trait drives use in adhesives, where tack and moisture resistance improve with higher glycol content. In paint or ink, the polyether bridge fosters smooth film formation. Specialty hydrogels, such as wound dressings or contact lens precursors, capitalize on its water-loving nature. Electronics markets leverage the monomer’s clarity and UV resistance in encapsulants or photoresists. Developers monitor purity and structure rigorously to control molecular weight, crosslink density, and ultimate tensile properties.
Supply chain bottlenecks threaten stable pricing, with fluctuations in methacrylic acid impacting cost modeling. To minimize risk, buyers vet suppliers yearly and diversify sourcing where possible. The hazardous profile demands strict safety culture—training, spill response drills, and personal protection protocols reduce lost time incidents. Sustainability pushes challenge manufacturers to explore bio-based feedstocks or improved recovery and recycling of containers. In laboratories, chemists explore new initiators and inhibitors to extend shelf life and lower handling risk, aiming for formulations that keep performance high and hazards under control. For downstream users, maintaining equipment cleanliness and controlling inhibitors matter as much as raw material specs, since residue or wrong dosing means wasted batches and lost revenue.
