Lauryl Methacrylate stands out as a chemical compound used across manufacturing, coatings, adhesives, and even personal care. Chemists recognize it by its molecular formula, C17H32O2, and its systematic name — dodecyl methacrylate. This colorless liquid sometimes appears slightly yellow thanks to storage or handling. It gives off a faint, sweet, ester-like odor. The backbone of this compound includes a long, twelve-carbon tail attached to a reactive methacrylate group, which gives Lauryl Methacrylate its special blend of reactivity and flexibility in diverse material science settings.
Looking at Lauryl Methacrylate under a microscope shows a structure featuring a methacrylate head and a lauryl (or dodecyl) tail. That double bond in the methacrylate portion bursts with activity during polymerization, making it a valuable raw material for industry. Lauryl Methacrylate comes as a liquid at room temperature, with a density around 0.88 g/cm3 at 20°C. Its molar mass clocks in at approximately 268.44 g/mol. Not many people talk about HS Codes outside the customs office, but for businesses importing or exporting, Lauryl Methacrylate lands under HS Code 29161400 according to the Harmonized System, labeling it as a carboxylic acid derivative. This info matters for trade compliance and logistics planning, whether you're shipping small bottles or tanker loads.
As a monomer, Lauryl Methacrylate pours as a clear or slightly hazy liquid. You won't find it shaped into pearls, flakes, or powder right out of the drum without extra processing — though polymer forms and copolymers sometimes show up in powders or pellets for use in specific applications. The boiling point hovers near 285°C and flash point sits around 116°C. Vapor pressure is low, so spills don't drift through the air as easily as lighter solvents. Lauryl Methacrylate dissolves in most organic solvents like acetone, ether, and alcohol. This doesn't mean you can mix it with water; its long lauryl tail keeps it mostly hydrophobic.
Lauryl Methacrylate's double bond lets it react with free radicals, making it a reliable base for acrylic resins. That same side chain gives every coating, plastic, or adhesive made from it a dose of flexibility and softness, setting it apart from shorter methacrylate cousins. I’ve seen Lauryl Methacrylate in the formula sheets of weatherproof acrylics and stain-resistant paints. Its unique properties let manufacturers create hydrophobic, flexible, and impact-resistant products. People working in laboratories or plants appreciate the way it flows into copolymer blends, contributing to lower glass transition temperatures and modifying hardness as required. It doesn’t dry brittle.
Most shipments deliver Lauryl Methacrylate in 200-liter steel drums or intermediate bulk containers. The clear liquid texture makes handling with measuring equipment straightforward, though personal protective measures become important because of the compound’s reactivity. On rare occasions for research, it’s made into small solid samples, but large-scale industry needs the liquid.
Each molecule contains a backbone with reactive spots that allow for combination into larger polymers. The carbon chain length ensures low volatility and higher compatibility with oils and resins. The resulting materials don’t sweat or degrade quickly, leading to everything from glossy automotive paints to flexible adhesives for textiles and construction.
Making Lauryl Methacrylate starts with methacrylic acid and lauryl alcohol, usually from petrochemical origins. Refining both raw materials and controlling impurities shape the safety and technical quality of the final product. Companies focus on clean production for regulatory approval, especially in Europe, the US, and parts of Asia where environmental audits require full disclosure of byproducts and emissions.
Lauryl Methacrylate does not qualify as a benign, non-reactive material. Repeated contact with skin or eyes may cause irritation. Breathing in high concentrations over time can trigger respiratory effects. Safety data sheets suggest handling with gloves, goggles, and working in areas with good airflow. Fire risks stay moderate, but open flames and sparks must be kept away because its flash point sits in the danger range for chemical storage. Chemical operators working daily with this monomer learn the importance of containment, spill prevention, and surface cleaning routines. It doesn’t take much to absorb through gloves that aren’t chemically resistant.
Lauryl Methacrylate’s persistence in the environment depends on spill control and wastewater treatment. This monomer resists breakdown in water due to its long hydrophobic chain, so manufacturers invest in closed-loop processes and solvent recovery, reducing releases. Product labeling in line with GHS, EU REACH, and other global frameworks helps users understand risk and safe use. Regulatory updates in the past five years bump up requirements for purity, especially for companies sending goods across borders. Documentation—right down to the HS Code, formulas, and handling details—keeps logistics running smoothly and products cleared for use.
There’s a push in the chemical sector for safer, less hazardous monomer options wherever possible. This effort ramps up research into bio-based lauryl alcohol and alternative acrylates, sometimes offering a drop-in fit with fewer environmental or health drawbacks. I’ve spoken with R&D teams exploring renewable feedstocks—switching from petrochemicals toward plant-derived materials that cut the overall carbon footprint. Waste minimization in factories takes priority, with better process monitoring lowering both operator risk and emissions. Companies providing complete hazard communication and making training available in multiple languages build trust and keep accidents to a minimum.
Lauryl Methacrylate remains essential for industries demanding flexible, resilient materials, but its chemical nature asks for respect in storage and use. Those working with or around this compound benefit from clear information, regulatory awareness, and a commitment to safety at every level of the supply chain. Exploring better sourcing, process upgrades, and alternative chemistries will determine how Lauryl Methacrylate features in the next wave of sustainable manufacturing.
