Tridecyl Acrylate steps forward as a specialty chemical, part of the acrylate ester family. The chemical formula stands as C16H30O2. It appears mostly as a clear, oily liquid at room temperature, with a definite density—about 0.878 g/cm³ at 25°C—which matters in processing and application. Looking at its structure, the substance builds from a long, branched tridecyl alcohol linked to an acrylate group. That combination brings an ideal marriage of flexibility and chemical reactivity. The HS Code, a detail importers and exporters never skip over, falls under 2916.12. Tridecyl Acrylate often ships in bulk liquid tanks, but sometimes, a solidified crystalline form emerges at lower temperatures. Its low volatility means workers generally face less inhalation risk on the job, though its chemical nature calls for gloves and good ventilation. The raw materials include tridecanol and acrylic acid, both synthesized industrially. Anyone considering using it in powder, pearl, or flakes form should keep in mind its main use as a liquid—though chilling can occasionally produce small crystalline solids.
On the shelf, Tridecyl Acrylate’s clear, colorless look almost hides its potential. It dissolves in common organic liquids like acetone or toluene, but stays out of sight in water, thanks to a long hydrocarbon tail. Boiling point typically rises above 150°C, while freezing marks slide below zero—a practical range for chemical plants facing season changes. Chemically, the acrylate group gives this molecule its edge. During polymerization, the double bond in the acrylate group opens up, building long chains and repeating units. Many chemists like this for resin systems, adhesives, coatings, and flexible plastics. Reaction rates respond to temperature, light, and the presence of catalysts. The chemical stays stable under neutral and mild conditions, though neglected drums or accidental mixing with oxidizers set up real risks. Safety data sheets classify it as harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin, and the risk of environmental harm pushes manufacturers to keep spills contained and disposal routes up to standard. Fire safety drills show this liquid can burn at high temperatures when open flames or sparks turn up. Specific gravity, refractive index, and purity—all these factors mean a lot for planning and quality control.
Industry doesn’t treat Tridecyl Acrylate as a one-size-fits-all material. Its flexibility means it lands in tough, flexible adhesives, glossy paints, and weather-resistant coatings. Some factories push purity above 98%, watching for water or alcohol traces that can ruin polymer quality. Average batch sizes stretch from 500 liters to full cargo tanks, with stable handling built around nitrogen blanketing and closed transfer systems. Sometimes, buyers request it as a solid or crystalline form—usually for stable storage in cold climates, as heat brings it back to its original liquid state. In my own work, handling acrylates reminds me that storage tanks demand corrosion-resistant linings. I’ve seen the risks of contamination firsthand—trace metals or acids speed up uncontrolled reactions, triggering runaway heat. The shipping and receiving docks rely on clear labeling, accurate HS codes, and well-trained staff. Downtime caused by cross-batch contamination or valve leaks can cost real money and time.
Tridecyl Acrylate does not fall into the most hazardous chemical category, but it carries enough risk to demand respect. Direct skin or eye contact burns and irritates. Inhaling mists over months can sensitize workers, leading to skin conditions and breath issues. Company safety officers often cite the importance of gloves, goggles, and splash-proof clothing. Long spring shifts in production have shown me the value of local exhaust and spill-containment barriers. Emergency eyewash stations and rapid access to spill kits reduce health risks and downtime. Material safety data details that Tridecyl Acrylate’s run-off can affect aquatic life, making it important to keep drainage systems tight. Disposal requires coordination with certified chemical waste handlers; pouring leftovers into standard drains or public waste bins doesn’t meet best practices and can add up to big fines. Fire brigades show up with foam or dry powder during warehouse incidents, as water streams spread the chemical without cooling flaming surfaces effectively.
Looking at the molecular structure, Tridecyl Acrylate stands apart with its long tridecyl (thirteen-carbon) chain, joined to a reactive acrylate group. This unique setup grants it both softness and reactivity, which makes it so attractive to resin chemists and plastics engineers. The raw inputs—tridecanol and acrylic acid—both come from hydrocarbon and petrochemical roots. Their own production brings sustainability issues that environmental teams continue to debate. Transitioning to bio-based sources looks appealing on paper, but real-world costs and side reactions still hold back large-scale switching. Hydro-alcohol ratios, purity, and processing temperatures during esterification shape the final quality. I’ve worked with teams who use analytical instruments to check for trace unreacted acids or alcohols in the finished product, since small leftovers can turn finished adhesives into a sticky, unpredictable mess down the line.
Companies invest in Tridecyl Acrylate for the value it brings to specialty coatings, plasticizers, and rubber modifiers. Its performance remains steady in weather-exposed surfaces—flexible plastic pipes, waterproof paints, and packaging films. In the lab, I’ve watched how blending this acrylate into a polymer mix increases flow, stretch, and toughness. Everyone along the supply chain, from plant managers to packaging engineers, filters purchase decisions through local regulations, global HS codes, and safety audits. Tracking shipments and storage demands a close look at density and phase—liquid Tridecyl Acrylate flows easily into reactor vessels, but cold storage can leave technicians scraping out flakes or resetting heat-tracing in pipelines. Real-world costs often ride not just on raw material prices but on reliable delivery and compliance with strict chemical hazard rules. End-users demand not just technical performance but also clear records of purity, residue levels, and supply-chain sustainability—a set of challenges that keeps researchers and safety officers talking.
