N-Decyl Methacrylate belongs to the family of methacrylate esters, a group known for delivering versatile building blocks in the chemical and polymer industries. Chemists and material scientists often turn to this compound when looking to tweak physical flexibility, hydrophobicity, or compatibility in resins and lubricants. Recognized in the market by its CAS Number 2143-61-5 and featuring an HS Code of 29161400, N-Decyl Methacrylate tends to draw attention for the way its long alkyl side chain influences the material’s final performance.
The molecular formula for N-Decyl Methacrylate is C14H26O2, which carries a molecular weight of roughly 226.36 g/mol. The compound’s structure features a methacrylate group (CH2=C(CH3)COO–) joined to a saturated, ten-carbon n-decyl chain. This combination brings a distinct blend of rigidity from the methacrylate backbone and flexibility or hydrophobicity from the alkyl tail. In practice, its structure steers its behavior under heat, stress, or chemical mixing. Typically, N-Decyl Methacrylate will appear as a clear, slightly viscous liquid at room temperature, steering clear of powder or flake forms that some shorter-chain analogs display. It comes out as a pearl-like liquid, which means it looks clean in a beaker but does not crystallize at ambient temperature. Density falls near 0.87 g/cm³ at 20°C, which puts it just under that of water and tells users how it might layer or mix in multi-component recipes.
Unlike raw materials packaged as solid powders or crystalline flakes, users can expect N-Decyl Methacrylate to flow smoothly as a liquid. It does not turn into a solid or form hard granules under normal storage, making it friendlier for handling in liquid batch processes. Some producers supply it in drums or smaller liter-based containers, emphasizing ease of transfer and reduced spillage. In a lab or on a factory floor, it’s not unusual to see it poured directly from a storage drum, skipping intermediate dissolution steps. Its mild, characteristic odor alerts users to spills, helping spot leaks quickly in facilities.
As an organic chemical, N-Decyl Methacrylate comes with straightforward but essential safety guidance. Uncured esters in general may cause irritation on direct skin contact or inhalation, particularly over extended exposure. According to the material safety data sheets, it ranks as moderately hazardous, especially in its raw state. Wearing gloves, goggles, and working in a well-ventilated space remains standard protocol. Long-term misuse or poor ventilation might lead to headaches, dizziness, or more acute reactions, especially if someone accidentally ingests it or directly breathes concentrated vapors. Fire risk stays low due to its flash point being above typical room temperatures, but open flames near any methacrylate should be avoided. Facilities that respect chemical hygiene, keep good local exhaust, and store containers upright in cool, dry settings drastically lower the risk of incident.
The long, oily side chain separates N-Decyl Methacrylate from shorter methacrylate cousins. This gives it special value in formulating synthetic lubricants, additives for automotive and industrial oils, and specialty acrylic resins. People working in polymer synthesis add it to boost low-temperature fluidity, repel water in coatings, or improve plastic flexibility. In plastics labs, its liquid state helps blend ingredients more easily, making batch processing faster. Not every project needs its full hydrophobic punch, but when water resistance or non-polar compatibility matter, formulators reach for this raw material without hesitation.
Working with methacrylate monomers like N-Decyl Methacrylate puts a spotlight on balancing utility and personal safety. The compound stands out for bringing both performance gains and mild toxicity. Facilities that avoid routine splashes, always use chemical-resistant gloves, and prohibit open flames close to open containers build strong records for safety. Regular air monitoring and good communication with workers keep exposures below recommended thresholds. Industry, research, and regulatory updates continue to stress checking MSDS sheets for fresh handling instructions and keeping up training on chemical safety.
N-Decyl Methacrylate, flagged by its unique blend of a methacrylate ester backbone and a ten-carbon side chain, shapes the habits of both labs and chemical plants. I’ve seen workers get smoother batching and end-products with better flexibility, all while respecting the simple but crucial rules of PPE and ventilation. For anyone handling or specifying this specialty raw material, leaning on established chemical hygiene, keeping product specs like density and physical form front-of-mind, and respecting its moderate hazards allow teams to tap its full physical and material advantages without unnecessary risk. Whether you work in resins, lubricants, or coatings, N-Decyl Methacrylate offers a clear path to designing properties into your next project without overlooking the basics of chemical health and safety.
