Methoxyethoxyethyl Methacrylate, often shortened to MOEOEMA, stands out in the field of specialty methacrylates due to its chemical structure and range of physical forms. Anyone working with polymer chemistry or coatings will recognize its presence by the CAS number 929-06-6 and its clear molecular formula, C9H16O5. The HS Code 29161400 places it squarely among acyclic polycarboxylic acids and their derivatives, a category that signals its relevance in chemical and industrial supply chains. The material’s identity roots itself in the methoxyethoxyethyl side chain connected to a methacrylate backbone, improving solubility and compatibility with many modern resin systems. In the daily reality of a lab or factory, MOEOEMA is found as a transparent, nearly colorless liquid, sometimes with a mild ester-like smell, which hints at its base in organic synthesis.
Anybody involved with practical handling of MOEOEMA pays attention to its properties—these decide how it interacts with other chemicals and how it behaves during storage and processing. The molecular weight settles around 204.23 g/mol, and the density averages 1.086 g/cm³ at room temperature. Because of this moderate density, the liquid form pours and mixes smoothly, making it suitable for blending as a reactive monomer or diluent in specialty systems. Solid forms—flakes, powders, or pearls—don't show up in everyday shipments; liquid dominates because that form matches its point of use. Moisture sensitivity ranks low, with MOEOEMA showing modest hydrolysis, but keeping containers sealed matters to prevent any contact with air and water, limiting unwanted side reactions. Storage advice from suppliers almost always highlights cool, dry, and well-ventilated conditions for safety and stability.
MOEOEMA’s chemical framework provides a unique mix of flexibility and reactivity. The methacrylic skeleton enables easy polymerization with standard initiators, whether you’re setting up a batch for adhesives or thinking about a batch of advanced coatings in the lab. Its side chain introduces a methoxy group and an ethoxyethyl group, both of which add polarity, making the monomer more compatible with aqueous systems. These functional groups also play a role in improving toughness and flexibility in polymers—a fact not forgotten by chemists seeking high-performance materials for demanding end uses. I’ve seen colleagues in the composites industry choose this structure specifically to control viscosity and boost the mechanical properties of their final product. MOEOEMA’s versatility leans heavily on these subtle chemical signatures.
Commercial grades of MOEOEMA come specified by purity, color, and content of inhibitors (like MEHQ, which prevents premature polymerization). A typical certificate of analysis might report a purity above 98%, and a color index below 50 Hazen—numbers that give purchasing departments confidence in its suitability for high-spec resins and acrylics. In my own experience, polymer formulators like to start with MOEOEMA when adjusting the flexibility of UV-cured coatings, or when designing reactive diluents to fine-tune viscosity without sacrificing reactivity. The liquid pours easily, and because its boiling point hovers above 200°C, it isn’t prone to loss under moderate processing temperatures.
MOEOEMA shows up as a liquid, rarely as a solid. More precisely, it carries a density of roughly 1.08 g/mL at 20°C, which sits middle-of-the-road in terms of handling and shipping. Its clear color, low volatility, and measured viscosity make it a predictable, almost forgiving material—an important trait when you’re running scale-up batches or troubleshooting pilot plants. In the few cases where research quantities arrive as frozen or partially solidified material (after storage in very cold conditions), gentle warming brings it right back to usable liquid. Container labeling always notes that this is a clear liquid monomer, stressing its main form of use in industrial settings.
Dealing with MOEOEMA safely calls for the same respect as any acrylate or methacrylate. The material ranks as an irritant for eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Safety Data Sheets warn about the risks of inhalation and direct skin contact; gloves, goggles, and good ventilation are the standard gear. While not classed as a severe environmental hazard, responsible disposal and spill control are vital, especially since methacrylate monomers can impact water systems if released. Heat, light, or contamination can kick off uncontrolled polymerization—so clear protocols for inhibitor levels, containers, and temperature control stay front-of-mind in every lab and warehouse. Most importantly, experienced handlers always keep fire safety measures in place. Handling MOEOEMA means knowing your materials, watching for leaks, and storing drums or bottles well away from oxidizers and ignition sources.
MOEOEMA owes its existence to a well-understood synthesis from methacrylic acid and methoxyethoxyethanol. Suppliers typically source these precursors from major petrochemical routes, keeping raw material quality high for industrial use. Even small changes in the supply of starting alcohols or acids can shift the properties or costs of the final product, so tracking batch analytics and supplier certifications remains important for manufacturers aiming for consistency and compliance with strict quality controls. Reliable suppliers will document the full route from raw starting material through to the finished monomer, and those details matter whether you’re purchasing for a multinational or running a smaller specialty chemical operation.
Few raw materials match MOEOEMA’s impact on UV-cured systems, advanced adhesives, and specialty plastics. Its use in coatings stems from its ability to combine hardness with elasticity, meeting the challenge of scratch resistance without turning too brittle. In adhesives, MOEOEMA often improves flexibility and water compatibility, which commercial formulators welcome for demanding industrial or consumer applications. In the growing area of 3D printing and additive manufacturing, MOEOEMA enters photopolymer formulations seeking precision and strength. Specialist companies look at this monomer for tailored formulations, putting its unique mix of properties at the center of innovation.
My experience with acrylates—especially MOEOEMA—tells me that effective handling and use depend on a deep understanding of the material's strengths and limits. Storage stability forms the first concern, but real trouble starts with uncontrolled polymerization or contamination. Regular testing and vigilant inhibitor monitoring can head off most issues. Limited information or unclear specifications from suppliers raises costs and wastes time for development or scale-up; detailed documentation can close these information gaps. In places where regulatory scrutiny grows—such as EU REACH or US TSCA—detailed hazard and handling information provided by manufacturers goes a long way toward safe use and regulatory compliance. Open communication between buyers, handlers, and chemical suppliers brings most problems into the light and sets the path toward safer, more predictable outcomes.
