2-Sulfoethyl methacrylate (SEMA) is a water-soluble, monofunctional methacrylate containing sulfonic acid functionality. It can be incorporated into compatible polymer systems to introduce strongly polar, ionizable groups into the resulting polymer structure.
Polysciences product 02597 has a purity of ≥90% and a molecular weight of 194.1 g/mol. It is supplied in a 50 g size and should be stored at 4°C.
SEMA can be evaluated in aqueous polymer synthesis, functional polymer research, membranes, hydrogels, and waterborne formulations. Final solubility, ion-exchange behavior, swelling, ionic transport, and mechanical performance depend on monomer concentration, neutralization state, comonomers, crosslinking, conversion, pH, and ionic strength.
Synonyms: SEMA; 2-SEMA; 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-sulfoethyl ester
Key Properties
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Product number: 02597
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CAS number: 10595-80-9
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Purity: ≥90%
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Molecular weight: 194.1 g/mol
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Polymerizable group: Methacrylate
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Functional group: Sulfonic acid
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Functionality: Monofunctional
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Physical form: Dark brown, viscous liquid
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Solubility: Water-soluble
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Inhibitor: Approximately 3000 ppm MEHQ
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Available size: 50 g
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Storage temperature: 4°C
Applications
Aqueous Polymer Synthesis
SEMA may be copolymerized with compatible monomers to introduce sulfonic acid functionality into water-compatible polymer systems. Its effect on polymer solubility, charge density, solution behavior, and stability should be evaluated at the intended concentration and pH.
Ion-Exchange and Membrane Research
Polymers containing sulfonic acid groups may be investigated for ion-exchange and membrane applications. Ion-exchange capacity, conductivity, selectivity, water uptake, dimensional stability, and durability must be measured in the finished membrane under the intended operating conditions.
Hydrogel and Functional Polymer Research
SEMA can be evaluated as an ionic comonomer in experimental hydrogel and functional polymer systems. Because SEMA is monofunctional, a compatible multifunctional monomer is normally required when a covalently crosslinked network is desired.
Swelling, charge density, mechanical properties, residual monomer, extractables, and stability depend on the complete formulation and polymerization process. Suitability for biological contact or biomedical use must be established independently for the finished material.
Waterborne Coatings and Dispersions
SEMA may be screened as a functional comonomer in waterborne polymer formulations where permanent ionic functionality is desired. Effects on dispersion stability, particle size, viscosity, substrate interaction, water sensitivity, and finished-film performance are formulation dependent.
Electrochemical and Ionic Materials Research
Sulfonic acid-functional polymers may be studied in experimental ionic and electrochemical materials. Ionic transport and electrochemical performance must be established through application-specific testing of the finished polymer or device.
Polymerization and Formulation Considerations
SEMA contains one polymerizable methacrylate group. It can undergo free-radical polymerization with a compatible initiator system and generally contributes pendant sulfonic acid functionality rather than forming a crosslinked network by itself.
- Select the initiator system for the solvent, temperature, monomer composition, and intended polymerization method.
- Account for inhibitor content when developing polymerization conditions.
- Control pH, neutralization state, and ionic strength because these variables can affect solubility and polymer behavior.
- Confirm compatibility with comonomers, crosslinkers, solvents, buffers, salts, and additives before scaling.
- Monitor temperature and conversion throughout polymerization.
- Measure residual monomer and finished-polymer properties using application-appropriate analytical methods.
- Use a separate multifunctional monomer when covalent crosslinking is required.
Application Tips
- Begin with small-scale concentration screening to determine the appropriate level of sulfonic acid functionality.
- Keep pH, neutralization, ionic strength, solids content, and monomer concentration consistent when comparing formulations.
- Evaluate solution clarity and phase behavior after adding every formulation component.
- For membrane research, measure ion-exchange capacity, conductivity, selectivity, water uptake, and dimensional stability.
- For hydrogel research, characterize swelling, mechanical properties, residual monomer, extractables, and stability in the intended medium.
- For waterborne dispersions, monitor particle size, viscosity, storage stability, and finished-film water sensitivity.
- Do not infer biological suitability from monomer functionality alone.
Handling & Storage
Store at 4°C using the original container and appropriate controlled laboratory storage practices. Protect the material from contamination and return it to the recommended storage conditions promptly after use.
Review the current Safety Data Sheet and product label before handling, storage, or use. Follow all applicable institutional procedures for engineering controls, personal protective equipment, spill response, storage, and disposal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Click a question to expand.
What does 2-sulfoethyl methacrylate do in polymer synthesis?
SEMA introduces polymerizable methacrylate functionality together with a sulfonic acid group. It may be used to add permanent polar and ionizable sites to compatible copolymers.
Is 2-sulfoethyl methacrylate water-soluble?
Yes. SEMA is a water-soluble sulfonic acid-functional monomer. Compatibility in a complete formulation can still depend on pH, neutralization, ionic strength, concentration, temperature, and the other components.
Is SEMA a crosslinker?
SEMA is monofunctional and contains one polymerizable methacrylate group. It normally introduces pendant sulfonic acid functionality rather than forming a covalently crosslinked network by itself. A compatible multifunctional monomer is required when crosslinking is desired.
Is SEMA the same as sulfobetaine methacrylate or 2-sulfoethyl 2,2-dimethylsuccinate?
No. Sulfobetaine methacrylate is a zwitterionic monomer, and 2-sulfoethyl 2,2-dimethylsuccinate is a different chemical associated with surfactant applications. Polysciences product 02597 is 2-sulfoethyl methacrylate, CAS 10595-80-9.
How should SEMA be stored, and where can shelf-life information be found?
Store product 02597 at 4°C under the conditions provided on the product label and Safety Data Sheet. Use the container label, lot-specific documentation, or Polysciences technical support for applicable expiration or retest information.
Safety & Documentation
This laboratory reagent may pose health and safety hazards. Review the current Safety Data Sheet in full before handling, storage, or use. Follow the product label and all applicable institutional procedures for engineering controls, personal protective equipment, spill response, storage, and disposal.
Safety classifications and handling requirements may change. Always use the current product label and Safety Data Sheet for product-specific safety information.
