Diethylene glycol diacrylate (DEGDA) is a difunctional acrylate monomer used as a crosslinking comonomer in free-radical polymerization. Its two terminal acrylate groups can participate in network formation, while the diethylene glycol segment introduces ether functionality between the polymerizable groups.
DEGDA is used in photopolymerization, crosslinked polymer synthesis, hydrogel research, and radiation-curable formulations. Crosslink density and final material properties depend on DEGDA concentration, comonomer composition, initiation chemistry, conversion, and processing conditions.
Synonyms: Di(ethylene glycol) diacrylate; 2,2’-oxydiethyl diacrylate; oxydiethylene diacrylate; 2-[2-(acryloyloxy)ethoxy]ethyl acrylate.
Key Properties
- Difunctional acrylate crosslinking monomer
- Two polymerizable acrylate groups
- Purity by GC: ≥75.0%
- CAS number: 4074-88-8
- Molecular formula: C10H14O5
- Linear formula: (H2C=CHCO2CH2CH2)2O
- Molecular weight: 214.2 g/mol
- Appearance: clear, colorless liquid
- Refractive index: 1.463
- MEHQ inhibitor: 90–150 ppm
- Storage temperature: 4°C
- Polysciences catalog number: 02215
Applications
Crosslinked Polymer Synthesis
DEGDA is used as a difunctional comonomer to introduce covalent crosslinks during free-radical polymerization. Crosslink density depends on DEGDA concentration, comonomer functionality, conversion, and the polymerization conditions used.
Photopolymerization & UV-Curing Research
Diethylene glycol diacrylate undergoes photoinitiated free-radical polymerization and is used in studies of multifunctional acrylate curing and network formation. Conversion can be influenced by photoinitiator chemistry, irradiation wavelength and intensity, exposure time, oxygen availability, and sample thickness.
Hydrogel & Polymer Network Research
DEGDA has been used as a chemical crosslinker in hydrogel and copolymer research. Its concentration can influence network structure, swelling behavior, thermal response, and mechanical properties, with the magnitude and direction of these effects depending on the complete polymer composition.
Radiation-Curable Formulations
DEGDA may be used as a reactive crosslinking component in UV- and electron-beam-curable coatings, inks, adhesives, and related polymer formulations. Cure response and final material properties should be evaluated for the complete formulation and intended processing conditions.
Polymerization & Formulation Considerations
- DEGDA contains two acrylate groups capable of participating in network-forming polymerization
- Purity is specified at ≥75.0% by GC
- MEHQ is present at 90–150 ppm to inhibit premature polymerization during storage
- Account for inhibitor concentration when establishing initiation and polymerization conditions
- Crosslink density depends on DEGDA concentration, conversion, comonomer functionality, and network architecture
- For photopolymerization, control photoinitiator concentration, irradiation wavelength, irradiance, exposure time, and oxygen exposure
- Do not substitute EGDA, TEGDA, DPGDA, PEGDA, or DEGDMA without evaluating the resulting change in formulation and polymer properties
Network properties cannot be predicted from DEGDA concentration alone. Polymer composition, conversion, molecular architecture, crosslink density, solvent content, and processing conditions can affect swelling, modulus, dimensional stability, and other properties of the resulting material.
Application Tips
- Account for the MEHQ inhibitor when designing free-radical polymerization experiments
- Use clean, dry equipment compatible with acrylate monomers
- Allow the closed container to approach the required working temperature before opening when condensation could affect the formulation
- Use controlled small-scale reactions when establishing new initiator concentrations or irradiation conditions
- Monitor monomer conversion and residual acrylate functionality with an appropriate analytical method when these parameters are important to the study
- Control oxygen exposure during photopolymerization when surface conversion is critical
- Evaluate DEGDA concentration experimentally when tuning crosslink density or swelling behavior
Handling & Storage
- Store at 4°C in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use
- Handle in a chemical fume hood or with adequate laboratory ventilation
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing
- Avoid contact with the skin and eyes
- Avoid breathing mist or vapors generated during handling
- Wash thoroughly after handling
- Avoid release to the environment
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FAQ
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1. What is DEGDA used for?
Diethylene glycol diacrylate is used as a difunctional crosslinking monomer in free-radical polymerization. Research and formulation uses include photopolymerization, crosslinked polymer networks, hydrogels, and radiation-curable systems.
2. Is DEGDA a crosslinker?
Yes. DEGDA contains two polymerizable acrylate groups and can form covalent connections between polymer chains during free-radical polymerization. The resulting crosslink density depends on DEGDA concentration, conversion, and the other components of the formulation.
3. What is the purity of diethylene glycol diacrylate?
Purity is specified at ≥75.0% by GC. MEHQ is present at 90–150 ppm as a polymerization inhibitor. Review the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis when assay or inhibitor concentration is important to the experimental method.
4. What is the CAS number for DEGDA?
The CAS number for diethylene glycol diacrylate is 4074-88-8. Its molecular formula is C10H14O5 and its molecular weight is 214.2 g/mol.
5. Is DEGDA the same as EGDA, TEGDA, DPGDA, or PEGDA?
No. Diethylene glycol diacrylate is a distinct difunctional acrylate with CAS number 4074-88-8. EGDA, TEGDA, DPGDA, and PEGDA contain different glycol or polyether segments and should not be treated as interchangeable without evaluating changes in reactivity, network structure, and formulation properties.
6. Can DEGDA be used as a hydrogel crosslinker?
Yes. DEGDA has been used as a chemical crosslinker in published hydrogel research. Crosslinker concentration, primary monomer chemistry, solvent composition, initiation conditions, and conversion influence the structure and properties of the resulting network.
7. What package sizes are available?
Diethylene glycol diacrylate is available in 100 g and 1 kg sizes. For larger quantities, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
DEGDA is toxic in contact with skin, harmful if swallowed, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, and may cause an allergic skin reaction. Handle with adequate ventilation using protective gloves, eye protection, and suitable protective clothing. Store at 4°C. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet, product specification, and lot-specific Certificate of Analysis for complete handling, storage, disposal, and quality information.
