Phenoxyethyl Acrylate: Description, Properties, and Uses

What is Phenoxyethyl Acrylate?

Phenoxyethyl Acrylate carries a clear liquid form at room temperature, presenting a faint, characteristic odor and displaying low volatility. Its chemical structure shows the acrylate group bound to a phenoxyethyl segment, giving the compound its unique reactivity and flexibility in application. Recognized under the HS Code 2916.12, this material often serves as a reactive monomer in the resin and coatings sector. Chemically, its molecular formula is C11H12O3, with a molecular weight around 192.21 g/mol. The specific density sits close to 1.1 g/cm³ at 20°C, making it easy to blend with other acrylate monomers in liquid form. In solid states such as flakes, powder, or crystal, it loses some ease of handling, though most formulators use it as a viscous, clear solution. Importers and customs offices identify Phenoxyethyl Acrylate through this HS Code, aiding proper tariff and documentation processes worldwide.

Physical Properties and Chemical Structure

Pour this monomer into a glass vial, and you notice its transparent appearance and steady viscosity, staying manageable in both cool and warmer lab settings. Its structure features a phenyl ring attached via an ether linkage to an ethoxy chain, capped with an acrylate ester. This particular arrangement contributes to its balance of tough mechanical properties and chemical resistance. Handling this material without proper personal protective equipment draws health concerns, largely driven by the acrylate moiety, which can cause irritation or allergic responses on skin contact. The phenoxyethyl group, a relatively larger substituent compared to simple alkyl acrylates, boosts adhesion in polymer blends and offers better compatibility with pigments and fillers. The boiling point reaches higher than 200°C, meaning it resists flashing off during processing. In resin manufacturing, its stable molecular backbone helps formulate ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) curable coatings.

Common Forms and Specifications

Markets offer Phenoxyethyl Acrylate almost exclusively in liquid liter containers, although some suppliers provide drum or tank quantities for industrial buyers. Less frequently, it appears in flakes or powder, but this happens only if the temperature drops below its melting point or if the monomer crystallizes during long-term storage. Regardless, quality checks zero in on purity percentages, the acid number, color index, viscosity in mPa.s, and inhibitor content. Most product specifications highlight color (measured in Hazen or APHA units), and good batches give low color readings, suggesting fewer impurities. Storage guidelines tell users to keep containers tightly sealed, away from ignition sources, and under nitrogen atmosphere to limit unintended polymerization. Material safety data sheets (MSDS) always flag health and handling hazards, urging users to wear gloves, goggles, and work under well-ventilated fume hoods. The vapor and direct liquid exposure may trigger dermatitis or respiratory issues, so safe handling maintains top priority.

Uses and Functional Benefits

Formulators pick Phenoxyethyl Acrylate for its flexibility and chemical stability in coatings, adhesives, and advanced composites. In UV-curable inks, it acts as a reactive diluent, thinning high-viscosity oligomers while fueling rapid cure under intense light. It’s not just about lower viscosity; the phenoxyethyl tail leads to higher adhesion on substrates like metal, glass, and treated plastic. Myself, I’ve seen it add scratch and solvent resistance to automotive paints where standard acrylates fall short under harsh test conditions. Chemists value its low volatility, which helps keep workplace air cleaner compared to old-fashioned, more volatile monomers. Printing inks jet smoothly through modern machinery because the liquid flows right, and then crosslinks fully during curing, producing crisp and durable images. The polymer industry relies on its high refractive index, making it a go-to in specialty lens and fiber coatings.

Safety, Risks, and Environmental Aspects

Phenoxyethyl Acrylate offers benefits, but every user faces responsibilities. The chemical’s acrylate group means skin and eye irritation comes fast if you skip gloves or splash protection. Acute exposures in open workshops have led to allergy issues for staff, and chronic inhalation could risk respiratory problems. Clean-up calls for absorbent pads and swift action — this liquid glue will bond fast and lock up equipment if spilled. From an environmental point of view, the compound readily polymerizes, which helps contain spills in treatment, but stubborn residues still stress water systems without careful disposal controls. Offgassing proves lower than methyl acrylates, yet good ventilation matters. Industry leaders now test bio-based alternatives or closed-loop manufacturing that cuts leaks and emissions. Better labeling and stricter training policies emerge as public scrutiny grows around workplace chemical safety in resin manufacturing.

Raw Materials and Upstream Supply

Production of Phenoxyethyl Acrylate starts with phenoxyethanol, itself synthesized from phenol and ethylene oxide under controlled conditions, then esterified with acrylic acid. Both starting points rank as industrial staples—available, but tied to the price swings of crude oil and petrochemical feedstocks. Acrylic acid brings sharp reactivity, demanding careful batch control, since runaway polymerization causes dangerous pressure build-up. Manufacturers respond with metered dosing and proper inhibitor blends, stopping premature curing. Waste streams collect traces of phenol derivatives, which trigger monitoring by environmental agencies. Strategic sourcing of raw materials faces stricter certification and greater transparency requirements, with international buyers pushing for conflict-free, lower-impact supply chains.

Solutions and Future Directions

The challenge isn’t which acrylate monomer to use, but how to keep gaining performance without giving up safety or sustainability. Modern material scientists keep one eye on regulatory trends—REACH in Europe, TSCA in North America—and the other on safer processing protocols. Switching to less hazardous initiators, setting up real-time air monitoring, and encouraging closed system handling trains staff to prevent, not just respond to, spills. Greener chemistry directs some companies to tweak the molecular layout: add more renewable feedstocks, maximize recycling, reduce residual monomer in finished goods. Routine audits and smarter sensor-driven tracking close the gap between lab-bench promise and factory reality. The progress goes step by step, but the lesson is clear: careful attention to sourcing, property optimization, and worker protection brings out the best in Phenoxyethyl Acrylate—without risking health or the environment.