Glycidyl Acrylate sits among the important specialty acrylates in modern chemical industries. Chemists recognize this compound for its unique blend of reactivity and versatility. With a chemical formula of C6H8O3, Glycidyl Acrylate carries a molecular weight of roughly 128.13 g/mol. The molecular structure features both an acrylate group and an epoxide (“glycidyl”) ring, giving it special chemical behavior. Looking closely at its physical form, Glycidyl Acrylate often appears as a clear, colorless liquid, although it can be found in other consistencies under certain storage conditions. Its melting point sits below room temperature, and it hardly ever solidifies unless chilled below freezing. With a density of about 1.1 g/cm³ at 20°C, it pours with ease and blends well during formulation work.
The heart of Glycidyl Acrylate’s appeal comes from its reactive sites. The acrylate group provides a route for free-radical polymerization, making this compound ideal for inclusion in acrylic resins and copolymer chains. The glycidyl (epoxy) ring remains open to nucleophilic attack; this ring reacts with amines, acids, and other chemicals often used during curing or polymer modification. Once the ring opens, new chemical bonds form, lending strength and flexibility to the end product. The exact specifications depend on purity—market grades often range from 95% to 99% pure. Manufacturers may refer to trade standards or provide Certificates of Analysis to show actual percentages.
Some buyers want Glycidyl Acrylate as a neat liquid, shipped in drums, intermediate bulk containers, or smaller bottles for research. The product rarely comes in flakes, crystals, powders, or pearls under normal atmospheric conditions. If chilled or diluted, its viscosity changes, ranging from thin and watery to syrupy and viscous. In its raw form, Glycidyl Acrylate lacks color, but the pungent odor signals its presence. Safe handling matters in workspaces, as any spills spread quickly across worktops or floors. I’ve found that dispensing Glycidyl Acrylate, whether from a chemical supplier or a laboratory bench, requires gloves, eye protection, and good ventilation. Short-term exposure might not cause immediate harm, but repeated contact with skin or inhalation of vapors brings risk. The chemical qualifies as both an irritant and a hazardous material, so users should always refer to the latest safety data sheets.
Industrial supply chains track Glycidyl Acrylate using the HS Code 2916.14, which falls under esters of acrylic acid. Importers, exporters, and customs brokers look for this code in official documents when sorting logistics or tariffs. Key technical specifications include refractive index (about 1.440) and boiling point (roughly 190-195°C at atmospheric pressure). Storage guidelines discourage exposure to open flames, heat, or direct sunlight, because Glycidyl Acrylate can decompose or even ignite above its flash point, which is about 66°C. For laboratory work, chemists dilute the substance in organic solvents (such as acetone or toluene) before adding the acrylate to monomer mixtures. In resin and plastics manufacturing, technologists refer to acrylic content, functional epoxide (glycidyl) value, or impurities such as hydroquinone, which serves as a stabilizer against unwanted polymerization during storage.
Commercial demand for Glycidyl Acrylate emerges from coatings, adhesives, sealants, and advanced polymers. Engineers pick this monomer for specialty paints and inks, especially where crosslinking and chemical resistance count. Electronics makers use Glycidyl Acrylate in epoxy-acrylate hybrids for encapsulation or insulative coatings. Its ability to boost adhesion draws interest from the packaging sector. Raw materials behind Glycidyl Acrylate—mainly acrylic acid derivatives and epichlorohydrin—are widely available and sourced from petroleum-based feedstocks. The supply chain remains dependent on global chemical production trends but offers stability for large-scale manufacturing.
Those who work with Glycidyl Acrylate often highlight its harmful potential. Skin or eye contact triggers irritation; overexposure may sensitize lungs or prompt allergic reactions. Regulatory bodies require clear hazard labeling and recommend precautions like chemical-resistant clothing, organic vapor respirators, and spill kits nearby. Glycidyl Acrylate belongs to a class that poses risk to aquatic life if released untreated into waterways. Disposal and wastewater management need tight control, using incineration or specialized disposal facilities, far from municipal landfills or drains. In laboratory experience, I’ve kept bottles double-sealed, marked with proper hazard symbols, and logged material movements for compliance audits.
Tough challenges and opportunities drive innovation in Glycidyl Acrylate markets. Health and safety improvements include closed-system loading and chemical fume hoods to contain vapors. Manufacturers work with regulatory agencies to replace especially hazardous stabilizers or introduce lower-toxicity variants. Some research looks at bio-based alternatives for raw materials, reducing total reliance on fossil sources. For users, clear protocols and emergency training limit risk. Automation reduces direct contact during weighing, mixing, or transfer. Waste collection systems and real-time environmental monitoring offer paths to better stewardship. Chemistry labs and factories benefit from both personal vigilance and investment in safer process design.
