2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is a hydrophilic methacrylate monomer widely used to prepare poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), or poly(HEMA), and related copolymers. The molecule combines a polymerizable methacrylate group with a pendant hydroxyl group, making HEMA useful for the preparation of water-compatible polymer networks and hydrogel materials.
Synonyms: HEMA; 2-HEMA; Glycol methacrylate.
This Ophthalmic Grade HEMA has a chemical purity of ≥99.5% and documented specifications for dimer, water content, color, crosslinker, and acid content. It is intended for laboratory research and the manufacture of materials where controlled monomer quality is important.
Key Properties
- Chemical purity: ≥99.5%
- CAS Number: 868-77-9
- Molecular formula: C6H10O3
- Molecular weight: 130.1 g/mol
- Refractive index: 1.453
- Clear, colorless liquid
- Miscible, as reported in the current Polysciences SDS
- Catalog number: 04675
- Storage: 4°C
Ophthalmic Grade Specifications
- Assay (GC): 99.5%
- Dimer (as DEGMA): 0.15%
- Water content (Karl Fischer): 0.1%
- Color (Pt-Co): 30
- Crosslinker (as EGDMA): 0.1%
- Acid content (titration): 0.05%
Applications
Contact Lens & Ophthalmic Polymer Research
HEMA is widely associated with hydrophilic poly(HEMA)-based hydrogel materials used in contact lens research and manufacturing. Polymer composition, crosslinking, water content, and lens geometry are important determinants of the final material properties.
Poly(HEMA) Hydrogel Preparation
Polymerization of HEMA produces poly(HEMA), a water-insoluble polymer that can absorb water and form hydrated hydrogel networks. Crosslinkers and comonomers may be incorporated to modify swelling, mechanical behavior, and other material properties for a specific formulation.
Hydrophilic Copolymers
HEMA may be copolymerized with other vinyl and methacrylate monomers to adjust polymer hydrophilicity and introduce pendant hydroxyl functionality for subsequent chemical modification or formulation development.
Ophthalmic Materials Development
The defined purity and impurity specifications of this grade make it suitable for research and manufacturing involving ophthalmic polymer formulations where monomer quality and compositional control are important.
Polymerization & Formulation Considerations
- HEMA contains one polymerizable methacrylate group and is not itself a multifunctional crosslinker
- Crosslinked poly(HEMA) networks require an appropriate crosslinker or other network-forming chemistry
- Poly(HEMA) is water-insoluble but can absorb water and form hydrated hydrogel materials
- Comonomer and crosslinker selection can be used to modify swelling, mechanical properties, and hydrophilicity
- Final ophthalmic-material performance depends on the complete formulation and processing conditions
Handling & Storage
- Store at 4°C in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Avoid high temperatures
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes
- Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, and appropriate eye protection during handling
- Avoid breathing mist, vapors, or spray
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FAQ
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1. What is HEMA?
HEMA is the common abbreviation for 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. It is a hydrophilic methacrylate monomer used to prepare poly(HEMA) and related copolymers.
2. What is poly(HEMA)?
Poly(HEMA) is poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), the polymer produced from HEMA monomer. It is water-insoluble but can absorb water and form hydrated hydrogel materials.
3. Is HEMA used for contact lens materials?
Yes. HEMA is widely used in research and manufacturing of hydrophilic poly(HEMA)-based contact lens materials. The performance of the finished material depends on the full formulation, including comonomers, crosslinkers, water content, and processing conditions.
4. What distinguishes this Ophthalmic Grade HEMA?
This Polysciences grade has a chemical purity of ≥99.5% and documented specifications for dimer, water content, color, crosslinker, and acid content. Refer to the current product specification for complete acceptance criteria.
5. Does “Ophthalmic Grade” mean the product is sterile or a finished medical device?
No such claim is made in the current Polysciences product documentation. The SDS identifies the recommended use as a laboratory reagent and for manufacture of substances. Qualification of a finished ophthalmic formulation or device remains application-specific.
6. How should 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate Ophthalmic Grade be stored?
Store at 4°C in a cool, well-ventilated location and avoid exposure to high temperatures. Consult the current SDS for complete handling and storage requirements.
Safety & Documentation
2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate is classified in the current Polysciences SDS as a skin and eye irritant and may cause an allergic skin reaction. Use appropriate laboratory ventilation and personal protective equipment, and consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling.
