Acrylates, High-Purity Solvents

2-Ethyl Hexyl Acrylate (2 – EHA)

2-Ethyl Hexyl Acrylate, identified by CAS number 103-11-7, is a clear, colorless liquid monomer characterized by its distinctively sharp, sweet odor. This organic compound is an ester formed through the esterification of acrylic acid with 2-ethylhexanol. Primarily recognized for its role in the polymer industry, it exhibits low volatility and high reactivity, readily undergoing radical polymerization to form homopolymers or copolymers. Its molecular formula is C11H20O2, featuring a long alkyl side chain that imparts significant internal plasticization and hydrophobicity to resulting polymeric matrices. These characteristics make it a crucial building block for pressure-sensitive adhesives, coatings, and sealants. 2-EHA is sparingly soluble in water but demonstrates excellent miscibility with common organic solvents. Due to its propensity for spontaneous polymerization when exposed to heat or light, it is commercially distributed with polymerization inhibitors, such as hydroquinone monomethyl ether, to ensure stability during transport and storage under controlled environmental conditions. This monomer excels.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Exhibits a low glass transition temperature (Tg), typically around -70°C, which provides exceptional flexibility and tackiness to resulting copolymer systems across a wide range of temperatures.
Demonstrates superior water resistance and hydrophobicity due to its branched eight-carbon alkyl chain, making it ideal for exterior applications and moisture-prone environments.
Offers excellent weatherability and UV resistance, ensuring that coatings and adhesives maintain their integrity and resist yellowing or degradation when exposed to sunlight.
Provides internal plasticization, reducing the need for external plasticizers that may migrate or leach out of the final polymer matrix over time.
High reactivity facilitates efficient copolymerization with various monomers like vinyl acetate or methyl methacrylate, allowing for tailored mechanical properties in finished industrial products

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Molecular Weight: 184.28 g/mol; Appearance: Clear liquid; Assay: Minimum 99.5% by weight to ensure high purity for critical industrial polymerization processes.
Density: 0.885 g/cm³ at 20°C; Boiling Point: approximately 215-219°C at 1013 hPa; Vapor Pressure: 0.24 hPa at 20°C, reflecting its relatively low volatility.
Viscosity: 1.7 mPa·s at 20°C; Refractive Index: 1.436 at 20°C; Flash Point: approximately 82°C (Closed Cup), classifying it as a combustible liquid.
Solubility: Less than 0.1 g/L in water at 20°C; highly soluble in alcohols, ethers, and aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons for versatile formulation compatibility.
Storage requirements: Must contain 10-20 ppm of MEHQ inhibitor and be stored below 35°C in a dark, well-ventilated area to prevent hazardous exothermic polymerization.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Essential monomer in the production of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) for tapes, labels, and decals, providing the necessary permanent tack and low-temperature performance.
Widely used in the formulation of architectural and industrial coatings, enhancing film flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental scrubbing or weathering.
Key component in textile finishes and leather processing chemicals, improving the hand-feel, water repellency, and elasticity of treated fabrics and high-quality hides.
Employed in the manufacture of caulks, sealants, and mastics where high elongation and adhesion to varied substrates are critical for structural integrity.
Utilized in plastic additives and oil field chemicals, acting as a flow improver or viscosity modifier in diverse synthetic lubricant and fuel applications.