Glycerol monomethacrylate is a hydrophilic, hydroxy-functional methacrylate monomer used in polymer synthesis and hydrogel research. The molecule contains one polymerizable methacrylate group and two hydroxyl groups, allowing incorporation into methacrylate polymers while retaining pendant hydroxyl functionality for hydrogen bonding or subsequent chemical modification.
Synonyms: Glyceryl methacrylate; 2,3-Dihydroxypropyl methacrylate (DHPMA); 1-Glycerol methacrylate; GMA.
Cat. 04180 is a mixture of glycerol monomethacrylate isomers with ≥85% purity by GC. The hydroxyl functionality makes the monomer useful for introducing hydrophilic and chemically addressable sites into polymers and copolymers.
Glycerol monomethacrylate is monofunctional with respect to free-radical polymerization and should not be treated as a conventional methacrylate crosslinker. Crosslinked hydrogel formulations require an appropriate multifunctional comonomer to establish covalent network junctions.
Key Properties
- Hydroxy-functional methacrylate monomer
- Mixture of isomers
- One polymerizable methacrylate group and two hydroxyl groups
- Purity by GC: ≥85%
- CAS Number: 5919-74-4
- Molecular formula: C7H12O4
- Molecular weight: 160.2 g/mol
- Appearance: clear, colorless viscous liquid
- MEHQ inhibitor: lot-specific value reported on the Certificate of Analysis
- Catalog number: 04180
- Package size: 25 g
- Storage: at or below −20°C
Applications
Polymer & Copolymer Synthesis
Glycerol monomethacrylate is used as a hydroxy-functional building block in methacrylate polymerization. Incorporation introduces pendant hydroxyl groups that can influence polymer hydration, hydrogen bonding, and subsequent functionalization.
Hydrogel Research
Glycerol monomethacrylate is used in hydrophilic polymer and hydrogel formulations. Because the monomer contains only one polymerizable methacrylate group, covalently crosslinked networks are typically prepared with a separate multifunctional crosslinker.
Controlled Radical Polymerization
Glycerol monomethacrylate has been studied in controlled radical polymerization, including atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in methanol, water, and mixed aqueous-organic media. Polymerization kinetics and molecular-weight distribution depend on solvent composition, catalyst system, temperature, and other reaction conditions.
Post-Polymerization Functionalization
Hydroxyl groups retained after polymerization provide sites for further derivatization. Hydroxy-functional polymers may be reacted with compatible acids, epoxides, isocyanates, or other appropriately selected reagents to modify polymer composition or architecture.
Compatibility & Bonding Considerations
- Contains one methacrylate group capable of free-radical polymerization
- Contains two hydroxyl groups that remain available for hydrogen bonding or subsequent chemical modification
- Glycerol monomethacrylate is not a conventional difunctional or multifunctional methacrylate crosslinker
- Crosslinked polymer networks require an appropriate multifunctional comonomer or a separate post-polymerization crosslinking chemistry
- MEHQ inhibitor level should be considered when establishing initiation and polymerization conditions
- Polymerization rate and molecular-weight distribution can depend strongly on solvent composition and polymerization method
Final polymer properties depend on conversion, molecular weight, molecular-weight distribution, comonomer composition, crosslinker concentration, water content, and network architecture.
Application Tips
- Check the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis for the reported MEHQ inhibitor level before establishing polymerization conditions
- Control oxygen exposure when performing free-radical or controlled-radical polymerization
- Maintain consistent solvent composition, initiator or catalyst ratios, and temperature when comparing polymerization experiments
- For hydrogel formulations, use an appropriate multifunctional crosslinker and keep crosslinker concentration consistent across comparative samples
- Characterize monomer conversion before relating formulation changes to polymer or hydrogel properties
Handling & Storage
- Store at or below −20°C
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use
- Handle in a chemical fume hood or other well-ventilated laboratory area
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing
- Avoid contact with the skin and eyes
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FAQ
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1. What is glycerol monomethacrylate used for?
Glycerol monomethacrylate is used as a hydroxy-functional monomer in polymer and copolymer synthesis, hydrogel research, controlled radical polymerization, and polymer functionalization.
2. Are glycerol monomethacrylate and glyceryl methacrylate the same material?
Glyceryl methacrylate is a commonly used synonym for glycerol monomethacrylate. Cat. 04180 is a mixture of glycerol monomethacrylate isomers; a fixed isomer ratio is not specified.
3. Is glycerol monomethacrylate a crosslinker?
Not in conventional free-radical methacrylate polymerization. Glycerol monomethacrylate contains one polymerizable methacrylate group, so a separate multifunctional crosslinker is generally required to form a covalently crosslinked network.
4. Is glycerol monomethacrylate the same as glycidyl methacrylate?
No. Both names may be abbreviated GMA in the literature, but they are chemically distinct. Glycerol monomethacrylate contains hydroxyl functionality, whereas glycidyl methacrylate contains a reactive epoxide group.
5. What package size is available?
Cat. 04180 is available in a 25 g package. For larger quantities, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
Glycerol monomethacrylate can cause skin and serious eye irritation, may cause an allergic skin reaction, and may cause respiratory irritation. Use appropriate laboratory ventilation and personal protective equipment. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete handling and safety information.
