1,6-Hexanediol dimethacrylate (HDDMA) is a difunctional aliphatic methacrylate used as a crosslinking comonomer in free-radical and photoinitiated polymerizations. Two polymerizable methacrylate groups are connected through a six-carbon spacer, allowing HDDMA to form covalent junctions within crosslinked polymer networks.
This grade has a chemical purity of ≥98% and contains approximately 100 ppm hydroquinone (HQ) as a polymerization inhibitor. HDDMA is used in formulation and polymer-synthesis studies where crosslinker concentration, conversion, and network architecture are controlled variables.
Synonyms: HDDMA; 1,6-hexamethylene dimethacrylate.
Key Properties
- Chemical class: Difunctional aliphatic methacrylate
- CAS number: 6606-59-3
- Molecular formula: C14H22O4
- Molecular weight: 254.3 g/mol
- Chemical purity: ≥98%
- Inhibitor: Approximately 100 ppm hydroquinone (HQ)
- Water content specification: 0.00–0.20%
- Refractive index: 1.458
- Physical state: Clear liquid
- Storage: Room temperature
Applications
Crosslinked Methacrylate Networks
HDDMA is used as a difunctional crosslinking comonomer in methacrylate polymerizations. Reaction of both methacrylate groups introduces covalent junctions between growing polymer chains, with network structure determined by crosslinker concentration, comonomer composition, and conversion.
Photopolymerized Resin Systems
HDDMA has been used in photoinitiated resin formulations as a reactive, crosslinkable component. Studies of HDDMA-containing photopolymer systems include photocured networks and digital light processing formulations. Cure behavior depends on the photoinitiator system, irradiation conditions, formulation composition, and specimen geometry.
Polymer Monolith Synthesis
HDDMA has been used as a dimethacrylate crosslinker in the preparation of crosslinked polymer monoliths, including monolithic stationary phases investigated for capillary liquid chromatography.
Experimental Acrylic Resin Formulations
HDDMA has also been evaluated as an additional crosslinking agent in experimental methacrylate-based acrylic resin formulations. The resulting properties depend on HDDMA concentration, the other resin components, polymerization conditions, and extent of conversion.
Compatibility & Bonding Considerations
- Contains two polymerizable methacrylate groups capable of forming covalent network junctions
- Used in free-radical and photoinitiated methacrylate polymerization systems
- Contains approximately 100 ppm hydroquinone as a polymerization inhibitor
- Crosslink density is influenced by HDDMA concentration, conversion, comonomer functionality, and network architecture
- Polymerization behavior depends on initiator chemistry, initiator concentration, temperature or irradiation conditions, and formulation composition
- HDDMA is chemically distinct from both 1,6-hexanediol and 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA)
HDDMA and HDDA should not be treated as interchangeable crosslinkers. HDDMA contains methacrylate groups, whereas 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) contains acrylate groups; this structural difference can affect polymerization kinetics and network formation.
Application Tips
- Account for the hydroquinone inhibitor when establishing or comparing polymerization conditions
- Keep HDDMA concentration constant when comparing network structure or material properties across formulations
- For photopolymerization studies, maintain consistent photoinitiator concentration, irradiation wavelength, irradiance, exposure time, and specimen geometry when comparing formulations
- Determine monomer conversion when relating cure conditions to network structure or resulting material properties
- Revalidate polymerization conditions and network properties when substituting HDDMA for a different difunctional monomer
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Use with adequate laboratory ventilation or in a chemical fume hood
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes
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FAQ
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1. What is 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate (HDDMA)?
HDDMA is a difunctional aliphatic methacrylate containing two polymerizable methacrylate groups. It is used as a crosslinking comonomer in free-radical and photoinitiated polymer systems.
2. What does difunctional mean for HDDMA?
HDDMA contains two polymerizable methacrylate groups. Incorporation of both groups during polymerization can connect polymer chains and generate covalent network junctions.
3. What is CAS 6606-59-3?
CAS 6606-59-3 identifies 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate (HDDMA), molecular formula C14H22O4 and molecular weight 254.3 g/mol.
4. Is HDDMA the same as 1,6-hexanediol?
No. 1,6-Hexanediol is a diol containing terminal hydroxyl groups. HDDMA is a dimethacrylate containing two polymerizable methacrylate groups. They are chemically distinct compounds and are not interchangeable.
5. Is HDDMA the same as 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA)?
No. HDDMA contains methacrylate groups, while HDDA contains acrylate groups. The difference in reactive-group structure can affect polymerization kinetics and network formation. See 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) for the corresponding diacrylate.
6. Does HDDMA contain a polymerization inhibitor?
Yes. This grade contains approximately 100 ppm hydroquinone (HQ). Inhibitor concentration should be considered when establishing or comparing polymerization conditions.
7. What is the purity of this HDDMA grade?
The chemical purity is ≥98%. The product specification also includes a water-content specification of 0.00–0.20%.
8. Can HDDMA be used in photopolymerization?
Yes. HDDMA has been used as a difunctional component in photoinitiated resin systems. Polymerization behavior depends on formulation composition, photoinitiator chemistry, irradiation conditions, conversion, and specimen geometry.
9. Where can I compare HDDMA with other crosslinking monomers?
See the Monomers Product Guide for comparison with other difunctional and multifunctional crosslinking monomers.
10. Can larger quantities of HDDMA be requested?
For quantities beyond the standard offering, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
Review the Product Specification for product-specific quality criteria and storage information, and the Safety Data Sheet for handling, hazard, and safety information. The Monomers Product Guide provides additional information for comparing crosslinking monomers.
