2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate, ≥ 97.0%, is a hydrophilic acrylate monomer containing both polymerizable acrylate functionality and a reactive hydroxyl group. It is commonly used to prepare acrylic polymers, copolymers, coatings, adhesives, sealants, UV-curable systems, and hydrogel materials where adhesion, flexibility, polarity, and post-polymerization functionality are important formulation targets.
Synonyms: HEA; Acrylic Acid 2-Hydroxyethyl Ester; Ethylene Glycol Monoacrylate; 2-Hydroxyethyl prop-2-enoate; 2-Propenoic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester.
The hydroxyl functionality of HEA can support hydrogen bonding, substrate interaction, crosslinking, and further chemical modification in compatible polymer systems. It is useful in research and formulation workflows involving hydrophilic acrylic polymers, functional coatings, pressure-sensitive adhesives, radiation-curable materials, and specialty copolymer development.
Key Properties
- Hydrophilic acrylate monomer
- Chemical purity: ≥ 97.0%
- CAS Number: 818-61-1
- Molecular formula: C5H8O3
- Molecular weight: 116.1
- Refractive index: 1.45
- Contains polymerizable acrylate and reactive hydroxyl functionality
- Used in acrylic copolymers, coatings, adhesives, sealants, UV-curable systems, and hydrogels
Applications
Acrylic Copolymer Development
2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate can be copolymerized with compatible acrylic and methacrylic monomers to introduce hydroxyl functionality, polarity, and hydrophilic character into specialty polymer systems.
Coatings & Surface Treatments
HEA is used in coating formulations where adhesion, flexibility, chemical functionality, and crosslinking potential are important performance factors.
Adhesives & Sealants
Hydroxyl-functional acrylic polymers may be used in adhesive and sealant formulations to support substrate interaction, flexibility, and formulation compatibility.
UV-Curable & Radiation-Curable Materials
2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate may be used in acrylate-based UV-curable and radiation-curable systems for coatings, inks, resins, and functional polymer networks.
Hydrogel & Hydrophilic Polymer Research
HEA is useful in research involving hydrophilic polymers, water-swellable networks, and hydrogel materials where hydroxyl functionality and acrylate reactivity are desired.
Preparation & Use Considerations
- Confirm compatibility with selected comonomers, initiators, crosslinkers, solvents, stabilizers, and processing conditions
- Hydroxyl functionality can influence adhesion, polarity, water uptake, crosslinking, and post-polymerization modification
- Final polymer properties depend on monomer ratio, molecular weight, cure method, crosslink density, and formulation design
- Use appropriate polymerization controls for reactive acrylate monomers
Handling & Storage
- Store at 4°C according to the product listing
- Keep tightly sealed and protect from heat, ignition sources, direct light, and incompatible materials
- Use gloves, chemical goggles, and a fume hood according to the product listing
- Handle as a corrosive, irritant, skin-sensitizing acrylate monomer
- Avoid skin contact and uncontrolled polymerization conditions
- Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for complete handling, storage, and disposal guidance
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FAQ
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1. What is 2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate used for?
2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate is used as a hydrophilic acrylate monomer in acrylic copolymers, coatings, adhesives, sealants, UV-curable systems, hydrogels, and functional polymer research.
2. What does HEA stand for?
HEA is a common abbreviation for 2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate.
3. Why is hydroxyl functionality useful in acrylic polymers?
Hydroxyl functionality can influence adhesion, polarity, water interaction, crosslinking potential, and post-polymerization modification in compatible polymer systems.
4. What purity is this 2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate?
This product is listed as 2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate, ≥ 97.0%.
5. How should 2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate be stored?
The product listing specifies storage at 4°C. Keep the container tightly sealed and consult the SDS for complete storage and handling guidance.
Safety & Documentation
2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate is a reactive acrylate monomer listed as corrosive, irritant, a skin sensitizer, and poison by absorption. Review the product Safety Data Sheet before handling and use appropriate PPE, ventilation, storage, and disposal procedures.
