2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate plays a practical role in fields like adhesives, coatings, inks and the preparation of functional polymers. This compound, often referred to by the abbreviation EOEOEA, falls under acrylate monomers. Its chemical formula, C9H16O4, connects a long chain of acrylate group with a flexible ether side chain, resulting in a balance of reactivity and flexibility uncommon among acrylic monomers. The CAS number for reference is 2370-63-0. Raw materials feeding into this compound come from both ethylene oxide and acrylic acid, which means feedstock volatility does matter to suppliers and users alike.
People working in polymer chemistry or industrial manufacturing appreciate EOEOEA because it serves as a building block for UV-curable coatings, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and specialty resins that demand both toughness and softness. One standout feature comes from its ability to lower glass transition temperature in copolymer systems, adding impact resistance and flexibility to end-use products. Applications extend into the electronics sector, where transparency and electrical insulation properties carry weight, and the coatings industry, where chemical resistance and processability give formulators creative latitude. In printing ink formulations, it improves printability and adhesion on various substrates, outperforming simpler acrylates when durability matters. This versatility means it rarely sits on the shelf as a raw material: it usually finds a home in advanced formulations quickly.
EOEOEA usually appears as a clear, colorless, oily liquid at room temperature, which simplifies handling and blending in most production lines. Its density hovers between 1.045 and 1.055 g/cm3 at 20°C, placing it in the middle range for acrylates and making drum handling predictable. With a molecular weight of roughly 188.22 g/mol and a boiling point near 244°C, it resists evaporation during routine storage and processing. The acrylate group provides a double bond for polymerization, while the ether segments introduce flexibility and hydrophilicity. Solubility leans toward moderate compatibility with water, but it dissolves easily in alcohols, esters, and many organic solvents, giving formulators a wide playbook. Viscosity lands at a level that doesn’t jam pumps, but still allows for precise dosing. While solid, powder, or pearl forms rarely show up in the commercial pipeline, the liquid state dominates, and it may appear as a solution for controlled polymerization. No flakes or crystals form under recommended storage, so bulk users avoid clumping and waste.
The structure of 2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate includes an acrylate moiety linked via an ethoxyethoxy chain to an ethyl terminal. This layout, with multiple ether oxygen atoms, lets the molecule remain flexible and compatible with a huge range of comonomers. The double bond on the acrylate serves as the anchor point during polymerization, so once the molecule reacts, the chain builds out and the ether-rich side portion keeps rubbery or elastic characteristics in the finished polymer.
Anyone shipping or handling this material internationally needs the correct HS Code: 2916190090 often covers acrylic acid derivatives under import-export regulations, though local jurisdictions can adjust. Specific purity grades typically exceed 99% EOEOEA content and water levels below 0.1%, confirmed by gas chromatography or similar methods. Precise specifications get tracked on the certificate of analysis for each lot, which saves time and reduces confusion during quality control checks.
2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate deserves careful handling because it can irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract if misted or spilled. The pure monomer emits an acrid, slightly sweet odor, which helps detect leaks or spills in the plant environment before concentrations rise. Short-term exposure risks include dermatitis, so gloves and goggles always make sense. Chronic exposure isn’t common in regular operations, but controlling emissions and using local exhaust ventilation rank high on the priority list every time the pumps start. The substance doesn’t crystallize or form slurries, but it reacts under UV or peroxide conditions, leading to rapid polymerization. For that reason, manufacturers ship it in containers dosed with inhibitors to prevent runaway reactions, and they store the drums in cool, shaded areas. Inhalation at high concentration brings health risks, as acrylate vapors sensitize the lungs and nasal passages in extreme cases, making rigorous monitoring of air quality a must for large scale use or routine filling. Waste streams containing significant amounts of EOEOEA must head to specialized chemical treatment or incineration, since watercourse contamination from monomer run-off could trigger environmental regulatory action.
Bulk users and small labs alike find that EOEOEA needs airtight storage in steel or HDPE drums, away from sunlight and heat. The compound requires the addition of polymerization inhibitors if stored for extended periods. Strict control of temperature reduces pressure buildup and prevents accidental release. Empty containers must get triple rinsed and vented in a safe area before recycling or disposal, since even residues can harden to a tough polymer if neglected. Personal experience in handling acrylates teaches that taking shortcuts to save time often lays groundwork for expensive cleanup or injury. Storage rooms must remain well-ventilated, and drum pumps rated for aggressive chemicals reduce the chance of leaks or splashes.
Companies can reduce risk by installing closed-loop dispensing and automated monitoring for temperature and inhibitor concentration in storage tanks. Switching to smaller containers for specialty batches, though less efficient, limits the volume exposed in case of a mishap. Improved local exhaust ventilation, paired with personal exposure monitoring, keeps air quality high in cramped manufacturing settings, supporting workplace safety. For spills, rapid-response kits containing neutralizing absorbents spare production lines from shutdowns after minor leaks. As environmental scrutiny mounts, chemical engineers redesign processes so polymerization occurs immediately after dispensing, shrinking the window for exposure and reducing waste. Suppliers provide safety datasheets and technical support, streamlining compliance and building transparency in the supply chain—long overdue improvements that matter to anyone working on the floor.
