ERL-4221 is a cycloaliphatic, diepoxy functional organic compound used as a building block in the production of semi-hard to hard cured epoxy resins. It cures to form a resinous product and is commonly used in plastic embedding kits for electron microscopy.
This low-color, viscous liquid epoxy compound is useful for resin formulation, microscopy embedding systems, and materials research involving cycloaliphatic epoxy chemistry. ERL-4221 is incompatible with amines, acids, and strong bases, so formulation compatibility should be evaluated before use.
Key Properties
- Cycloaliphatic diepoxy functional organic compound
- Useful building block for semi-hard to hard cured epoxy resin systems
- Product Number: 24738
- CAS Number: 2386-87-0
- Linear formula: C14H20O4
- Molecular weight: 252.3 g/mole
- Appearance: Transparent, low-color viscous liquid
- Boiling point: >250°C at 760 mm Hg
- Freezing point: -35°C
- Specific gravity: ~1.17 at 20°C
- Water solubility: <0.06% by weight at 20°C
- Available sizes: 100 g and 250 g
Applications
Epoxy Resin Formulation
Used as a cycloaliphatic diepoxy building block in resin systems designed to cure into semi-hard to hard epoxy materials.
Electron Microscopy Embedding
Commonly used in the manufacture of plastic embedding kits for electron microscopy and related sample preparation workflows.
Materials Research
Suitable for laboratory studies involving cured epoxy networks, cycloaliphatic epoxy chemistry, and resin performance evaluation.
Coatings, Encapsulation & Specialty Resin Systems
May be evaluated in epoxy-based coating, encapsulation, and specialty formulation studies where low color, cure behavior, and resin hardness are important.
Compatibility & Formulation Considerations
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Epoxy type: Cycloaliphatic diepoxy compound
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Cure behavior: Cures to form a resinous product under suitable formulation conditions
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Incompatibilities: Amines, acids, and strong bases
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Water compatibility: Very low solubility in water
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Formulation factors: Cure response, hardness, compatibility, and final resin properties depend on formulation, catalyst or curing system, temperature, and processing conditions
Evaluate compatibility, cure schedule, and final resin performance under the intended application conditions before scale-up.
Preparation Tips
- Confirm compatibility with the intended resin system, catalyst, filler, embedding formulation, or substrate before use.
- Avoid contact with incompatible materials, including amines, acids, and strong bases.
- Use controlled mixing and curing conditions to support reproducible resin performance.
- For embedding workflows, follow the validated protocol for resin preparation, infiltration, curing, and sectioning.
- Document mixing ratio, temperature, cure schedule, additives, and processing conditions for reproducible results.
Handling & Storage
- Wear gloves and chemical goggles when handling.
- Use in a well-ventilated area and avoid skin contact.
- Store at room temperature.
- Keep container tightly closed when not in use.
- Protect from contamination and incompatible materials.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is ERL-4221 used for?
ERL-4221 is used as a cycloaliphatic diepoxy building block in cured epoxy resin systems and is commonly used in plastic embedding kits for electron microscopy.
2. What is the full chemical name of ERL-4221?
ERL-4221 is 3,4-epoxycyclohexanemethyl 3,4-epoxycyclohexanecarboxylate.
3. What type of epoxy compound is ERL-4221?
ERL-4221 is a cycloaliphatic diepoxy functional organic compound used in epoxy resin formulation and materials research.
4. What materials is ERL-4221 incompatible with?
ERL-4221 is incompatible with amines, acids, and strong bases. Compatibility should be evaluated under the intended formulation conditions.
5. Is ERL-4221 soluble in water?
No. ERL-4221 has very low water solubility, reported as less than 0.06% by weight at 20°C.
6. How should ERL-4221 be stored?
Store at room temperature, keep the container tightly closed, and protect from contamination and incompatible materials.
Safety & Documentation
Handle with gloves, chemical goggles, appropriate PPE, and standard laboratory practices. ERL-4221 may cause irritation and skin sensitization. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), product specification, and Certificate of Analysis for handling, storage, safety, and lot-specific guidance.
