Methylcyclohexyl Acrylate stands out as a specialized acrylate monomer, used in many chemical manufacturing processes. The substance combines an acrylate group with a methylcyclohexyl ring, offering a mix of flexibility and reactivity valued by various industries. This isn’t a generic chemical—anyone working with advanced coatings, specialty polymers, or adhesives will recognize its benefits in producing durable, high-performance materials. Its chemical structure, unique among acrylate esters, helps explain why it turns up inside products demanding lasting resistance and improved finish.
Dive into the molecular build, C10H16O2 captures the arrangement of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms making up Methylcyclohexyl Acrylate. Its molar mass clocks in at about 168.23 g/mol. The presence of the cyclohexyl ring linked to an ester functional group points to both stability and appropriate reactivity, two qualities that drive industrial use. The blend of nonpolar cycloalkane and polar acrylate groups shapes its handling needs, boosting compatibility with a broad spectrum of other monomers. It’s a clear or faintly yellow liquid at room temperature, presenting a distinctive acrylate scent, and remains easy to pour and mix, never crystallizing under normal storage. Density centers around 0.98 g/cm³ at 25°C. Boiling occurs between 225°C–229°C, with a melting point well below room temperature, keeping it workable even in cooler environments.
Though most users encounter Methylcyclohexyl Acrylate in its liquid state, the chemical sometimes appears as a viscous fluid or diluted in solution for process flexibility. Rarely, impurities or cooling can bring about cloudiness or a solidified appearance, but under standard storage conditions, it avoids powder, crystal, or flake forms. As raw material, closed containers and careful handling protect workspaces and minimize product loss. Packing it in steel drums or HDPE carboys keeps out moisture and helps maintain purity. Anyone storing this chemical should remember its sensitivity to light and polymerization—adding inhibitors keeps it stable and usable.
Looking at technical documentation, purity levels for Methylcyclohexyl Acrylate hover over 98%, letting companies target consistent polymer quality. Water content gets controlled below 0.2%, preventing unwanted side reactions. The chemical’s refractive index, about 1.456, and its dynamic viscosity, typically under 4 centipoise at 25°C, reveal it blends easily yet behaves as expected during manufacturing. Small differences in these measurements can affect hardware settings, so users always want up-to-date lab reports for each batch to optimize results.
Anyone shipping or importing this chemical will use the HS Code 2916.12. This fits it under esters of acrylic acid, an essential point for customs classification, taxes, and regulatory tracking. The main safety challenge comes from its volatility and ability to irritate skin and eyes. Wearing gloves, goggles, and using fume hoods or efficient local exhaust keeps personnel out of harm’s way. Spilled material should never hit open drains—prompt cleanup with absorbent media limits exposure. It is classified as harmful but not outright toxic; inhalation, long-term skin contact, or ingestion all call for immediate first aid or medical attention. MSDS guidelines place it under flammable liquids, so facilities must keep fire extinguishers ready, avoid naked flames in storage or use areas, and train staff for emergencies.
Reliable access to high-purity Methylcyclohexyl Acrylate fuels growth in coatings, inks, adhesives, and advanced polymer manufacturing. The acrylate group opens broad options for co-polymerizing with other monomers, adding flexibility and light-stability to the finished product. This push toward greater durability explains how manufacturers keep up with customer expectations for enhanced surface properties, improved water resistance, and less yellowing over time. Decision-makers rely on its consistency and performance to fine-tune recipes for everything from optical fibers, automotive finishes, inks for packaging, and specialty adhesives demanding rapid cure without cracking.
Daily handling of Methylcyclohexyl Acrylate calls for vigilance. Breathing in its vapor for extended periods, even at relatively low levels, can cause headache or nausea. Splashing the liquid onto skin may provoke irritation or dermatitis. If it catches fire, vapors form explosive mixtures with air—ignition sources along with high temperatures quickly become dangerous. Industry users reduce these risks by running continuous monitoring for leaks, offering regular staff training, and using double-sealed pumps and safety interlocks. Spills on soil or into water threaten aquatic environments, so best practice includes spill plans with neutralizing agents on standby. Waste material heads for approved chemical disposal, keeping it from damaging local systems.
Bringing down harm aligns with newer practices across chemical supply chains. Suppliers now produce tighter purity grades and offer real-time data on product batches, boosting confidence throughout the industry. European and Asian producers lead on closed-loop systems, recycling solvents and minimizing emissions as they scale production. End-users invest in ventilation, fire suppression, and non-contact pumping to cut back on skin or vapor contact, trading upfront costs for fewer workplace incidents. Anyone considering new sourcing puts a premium on suppliers able to meet REACH or TSCA standards, while product stewardship pushes downstream partners to understand and mitigate risks all the way to final application and disposal.
