Ethylene Glycol Diacrylate stands out as a versatile chemical, often labeled by its chemical formula C8H10O4. This compound forms through the acrylation of ethylene glycol, which delivers a solid platform for uses in polymer science, coatings, adhesives, and more. Most professionals recognize it by its CAS number 3130-05-6 and the international HS Code 29161400, which covers acyclic polycarboxylic acids and their derivatives. In my experience working with specialty resins and chemical formulations, Ethylene Glycol Diacrylate always turns up as a cornerstone monomer, with its straightforward two acrylate groups and a small ethylene bridge making it especially reactive.
Walk into any raw materials warehouse and ask for Ethylene Glycol Diacrylate, the staff will almost always show a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid, though it sometimes arrives as a crystalline solid under the right conditions. The substance displays a specific gravity around 1.085 g/cm³ at room temperature—heftier than water, not so dense as many high-molecular polymers. Its melting point sits near -20°C, so you seldom see flakes or powders unless exposed to cold storage for extended periods. In my lab bench days, opening a liter bottle releases a sharp, acrid odor—a sign of those alkene groups ready to react. Maybe you’ve handled the pearls or been tempted to try dissolving it in other monomers; the solubility seems easy in most organic solvents, giving lots of flexibility.
Picture a small molecule: two acrylate groups (CH2=CHCOO-) sit at either end of a two-carbon ethylene glycol core. This diester structure doesn’t just look neat in a diagram; it means serious reactivity. Dual acrylates on a short linear backbone grant it quick polymerization ability, and that keeps R&D chemists interested. The molecular weight clocks near 170.16 g/mol—useful for calculations in batch manufacturing and in process optimization. Mixing and handling bring safety questions because reactive double bonds hunger for radicals or heat, launching chain reactions. In the field, this can translate to runaway curing if mixed carelessly with harsh initiators.
Ethylene Glycol Diacrylate rarely sticks to a single industry. It sees work as a crosslinker, a backbone for polymer networks—a role that matters in manufacturing paints, dental materials, UV-curable adhesives, and inks. Liquid form flows easily into reactors, whether you measure out a tiny vial or pump a full tank. Occasionally, solid or crystalline states arrive for very specific niche processes, but mainstream industry sticks with the liquid. Chemists experiment with blending flakes or powder formulations only when they need slow-release or special thermal profiles. The material’s dual acrylate groups deliver strength and chemical resistance once polymerized, making it the backbone of abrasion-resistant coatings and specialized resins. Whether you’re customizing a photopolymer recipe or a composite, the hands-on advantage is clear—control the ratio, and you tune the crosslinked density.
Ethylene Glycol Diacrylate might sound like a simple industrial staple, but first-timers working with this chemical learn fast about its downsides. Flammability sits squarely in the “should wear gloves and goggles” territory, with flashpoints that demand respect. Vapor exposure causes skin and respiratory irritation and—over time—can lead to sensitization, so plant operators stay ready with local exhaust or sealed systems. OECD chemical safety guidance warns that ingestion or high exposure can damage organs, and I’ve seen enough Material Safety Data Sheets to know not to cut corners when venting workspaces, even on small bench scale. The same reactive double bonds that make it a great crosslinker also signal danger if stored in the sunlight or near heat: runaway polymerization can occur. Best practice among colleagues means using inhibitors like MEHQ (hydroquinone monomethyl ether) in every bulk shipment, and keeping drums away from unplanned heat sources. The safe route always involves chemical-resistant aprons for spills, vapor-proof containers, and emergency cleanup kits.
Consistency in Ethylene Glycol Diacrylate starts with raw material sourcing, so chemical buyers inspect supplier track records closely. Downtime from off-spec batches can grind whole lines to a halt, and anyone who’s lived through a contaminated batch knows how much rides on quality control. Certificates of analysis, regular third-party testing, and full traceability—these should all be non-negotiable, according to Responsible Care standards. Manufacturers invest in in-line monitoring to verify density, acid value, and active content match data sheets. In my years handling monomer deliveries, accepting any lot without full documentation never passed muster. Price swings hit the market when feedstocks like acrylic acid or ethylene glycol shift, reminding product managers and chemists alike that global supply chains always influence the cost of the finished resin or adhesive.
Nobody in the chemical trade glances past the toxicological risks. Ethylene Glycol Diacrylate impacts aquatic life if released without adequate treatment, and improper storage can turn a routine delivery into a plant-wide evacuation. Spills must be contained with absorbent barriers; water runoff can’t enter storm drains. Waste streams get filtered and containerized before reaching waste treatment facilities, and these steps protect workers, neighbors, and the broader environment. Regulatory compliance shapes every part of the journey from the drum on the loading dock to the empty container headed for disposal.
Ethylene Glycol Diacrylate’s benefits and risks keep chemists searching for safer, greener solutions—sometimes through tweaks in the molecular structure and sometimes by testing out bio-based acrylates. Research into alternative monomers with lower toxicity grows each year as user demand rises for sustainable and less hazardous materials. Until this progress changes the market, workers on the ground rely on rigor in safety procedures, training, and transparent communication across every department.
