N-Hexyl Methacrylate draws attention as a versatile raw material used across many industries. Its chemical identity, recognized by the IUPAC as hexyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate, defines it as an ester formed by combining methacrylic acid and 1-hexanol. The molecular formula reads C10H18O2, with a molecular weight of about 170.25 g/mol. In daily handling, most will encounter this material as a clear, colorless liquid—though some see it in specific preparations, like viscous solutions. Industry suppliers list its CAS number as 142-22-3 and typically point to the HS Code 29161400 for regulatory tracking and international trade.
N-Hexyl Methacrylate stands out for its relatively low density, measured at around 0.89–0.90 g/cm³ at room temperature. Visually, it presents as a fluid without any obvious solid, powder, flakes, or pearls form under standard conditions. Unlike gritty solids or crystalline powders, this compound’s liquid nature simplifies certain manufacturing setups but also changes how companies store and measure it, favoring bottles or drums rather than bags. From a technician’s perspective, its refractive index hovers near 1.436, which is useful for quality control during processing. With a boiling point between 210°C and 215°C, handling this material raises concerns about volatility and fumes at high temperatures, common in manufacturing labs and production plants. Chemists use structural formulas to understand its behavior in polymerization; with a methacrylate group ready to react and a hexyl chain that adds flexibility, N-Hexyl Methacrylate plays a role in adjusting the performance and feel of end-products.
N-Hexyl Methacrylate comes supplied with technical data sheets that highlight purity levels—often above 98%—and minimal levels of residual acid and moisture. Trace amounts of inhibitors, like MEHQ, keep the monomer stable during shipping and long-term storage. Manufacturers lean on this compound when producing specialty acrylic polymers, surface coatings, adhesives, or sealants. In my experience, this has a lot to do with the chain length of the hexyl group contributing to flexibility and weather resistance in finished products. This compound has found its way into resins designed for clarity and UV stability, such as those used in paints, automotive components, or electronics materials. The demand for exacting specifications emphasizes the need for robust quality checks before these raw materials enter blending tanks or reactors.
N-Hexyl Methacrylate demands respect in the workplace. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) entries warn about flammability, warning labels reflecting the flash point under 85°C. Vapors can irritate eyes, skin, and the respiratory system, so chemical splash goggles, nitrile gloves, and well-fitting respirators are part of the required kit. Spills pose both slip hazards and fire risks. Facility managers should not overlook the need for good ventilation around storage areas and emergency spill clean-up kits on hand. Waste management teams dispose of residues and contaminated packaging according to local hazardous waste rules, following strict legal mandates. Inhalation may cause dizziness or headaches, and skin contact can lead to sensitization with repeat exposure, making ongoing hazard communication essential. As a personal takeaway from time working in industrial settings, ensuring labels are always clear and containers are always sealed can prevent the types of accidents that ruin both product and productivity.
Environmental teams remain alert to accidental discharges because N-Hexyl Methacrylate, while not as persistent as many heavy metal contaminants, still poses risks to aquatic life. Water treatment systems in facilities handling this compound often include carbon filtration or advanced oxidation to minimize environmental impact. On a regulatory front, global agencies categorize N-Hexyl Methacrylate under hazardous goods for shipping, assigning UN Code 1993 for flammable liquids. This means transporters must use properly labeled containers and documentation for road, rail, or sea freight, coordinated with relevant government or customs authorities.
The chemistry behind N-Hexyl Methacrylate enables targeted functionality in advanced materials—soft-touch coatings, impact-resistant plastics, or weatherproof adhesives all gain enhanced properties through careful formulation with this ester. For purchasing managers and R&D teams, clarity around purity, safe handling practices, and regulatory compliance help protect both workers and the broader community. Discussions about safer alternatives or greening supply chains always matter, while for now, the solution lies in strong oversight and open communication between suppliers, handlers, and end-users. Data-driven choices—backed by routine analysis and sharing practical experiences—keep standards high both in the lab and on the shop floor. For anyone tasked with managing these chemicals, investment in up-to-date training, thorough documentation, and real transparency with regulators and emergency response teams pays off in reduced incidents and more reliable outcomes.
