1,1,1-Trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) is a trifunctional acrylate monomer used as a multifunctional crosslinker in free-radical and photoinitiated polymerization. Its three polymerizable acrylate groups can form covalent network junctions, making TMPTA useful for preparing highly crosslinked polymer structures.
Synonyms: TMPTA; TriMPTA; TrMPTrA.
TMPTA is particularly relevant to UV-curable polymer systems and research involving control of crosslink density and network architecture. Final material properties depend on TMPTA concentration, other formulation components, conversion, initiation conditions, and curing parameters.
Cat. 02658 has a purity specification of ≥ 88% by GC and contains approximately 100 ppm MEHQ and less than 20 ppm HQ inhibitor. The inhibitor system should be considered when establishing polymerization and curing conditions.
Key Properties
- Trifunctional acrylate monomer and multifunctional crosslinker
- Purity by GC: ≥ 88%
- CAS Number: 15625-89-5
- Molecular formula: C15H20O6
- Molecular weight: 296.3 g/mol
- Appearance: colorless, viscous liquid
- Water content: ≤ 0.10%
- Acrylic acid: ≤ 0.05%
- Color: APHA ≤ 100
- Inhibitor: approximately 100 ppm MEHQ and <20 ppm HQ
- Refractive index: 1.474
- Catalog number: 02658
- Package size: 250 g
Applications
UV-Curable Crosslinked Polymer Networks
TMPTA is used as a multifunctional crosslinking monomer in UV-curable formulations. Its three acrylate groups can participate in radical polymerization to form covalent network junctions. Crosslink density and resulting material properties depend on formulation composition, conversion, and curing conditions.
Photolithography & Microparticle Fabrication
TMPTA has been used in photolithographic methods for polymer microparticle fabrication, including continuous-flow lithography. Its multifunctional acrylate structure enables rapid formation of crosslinked structures during photopolymerization.
PEG-Containing Polymer Networks
TMPTA has been used as a crosslinking component in PEG-containing polymer networks. In these systems, network composition and crosslinker concentration can be varied to study properties such as swelling, mass transport, and network structure.
Photopolymerization & Additive Manufacturing Research
TMPTA is used as a model multifunctional acrylate in photopolymerization research and has been evaluated in light-curable resin systems used for additive-manufacturing studies. Conversion and final network properties depend on photoinitiator chemistry, irradiation conditions, formulation composition, and sample geometry.
Compatibility & Bonding Considerations
- Contains three polymerizable acrylate groups capable of forming covalent network junctions
- Compatible with free-radical polymerization under appropriately selected initiation conditions
- Contains approximately 100 ppm MEHQ and <20 ppm HQ inhibitor, which should be considered when establishing polymerization conditions
- Slight water solubility should be considered when formulating aqueous or mixed-solvent systems
- Final network properties depend on TMPTA concentration, comonomer or oligomer composition, conversion, and cure conditions
TMPTA is chemically distinct from ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate and from 1,1,1-Trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate. These materials differ in molecular structure and should not be treated as interchangeable crosslinkers.
Application Tips
- Account for the MEHQ and HQ inhibitor levels when establishing initiation and polymerization conditions
- Maintain consistent TMPTA concentration when comparing crosslink density or network properties among formulations
- For photopolymerization, control photoinitiator concentration, irradiation wavelength, irradiance, exposure time, and sample thickness across comparative experiments
- Control oxygen exposure when reproducible free-radical polymerization or surface conversion is important
- Characterize conversion and final network properties rather than assuming performance from TMPTA concentration alone
Handling & Storage
- Store at 4°C in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Protect from light because polymerization may occur on exposure to light
- Use with good laboratory ventilation
- Avoid breathing mist, vapor, or spray
- Wear protective gloves and safety glasses during handling
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FAQ
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1. What is trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) used for?
TMPTA is a trifunctional acrylate monomer used as a crosslinker in free-radical and photoinitiated polymerization. Research applications include UV-curable polymer networks, photolithographic microparticle fabrication, PEG-containing crosslinked networks, and photopolymerization studies.
2. Are TMPTA, TriMPTA, and TrMPTrA the same material?
Yes. TMPTA, TriMPTA, and TrMPTrA are abbreviations used for 1,1,1-trimethylolpropane triacrylate. Cat. 02658 has CAS Number 15625-89-5.
3. Is TMPTA the same as ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate or trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate?
No. Ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate contains ethoxylated spacer units and is chemically distinct from TMPTA. 1,1,1-Trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate contains methacrylate rather than acrylate groups and is also a separate compound.
4. Does TMPTA contain polymerization inhibitors?
Yes. Cat. 02658 contains approximately 100 ppm MEHQ and less than 20 ppm HQ. These inhibitors help limit unintended polymerization during storage and should be considered when establishing polymerization conditions.
5. What purity and package size are available for Cat. 02658?
Cat. 02658 has a purity specification of ≥ 88% by GC and is available in a 250 g package. For larger quantities, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
Trimethylolpropane triacrylate causes skin and serious eye irritation, may cause an allergic skin reaction, and is classified in the current SDS as suspected of causing cancer. Use appropriate laboratory ventilation and personal protective equipment. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete handling, storage, exposure, and disposal guidance.
