N-tert-Octylacrylamide is a hydrophobic, N-substituted acrylamide monomer used in polymer and copolymer synthesis. The molecule combines a polymerizable acrylamide group with a bulky tert-octyl substituent, providing a route to polymers with increased hydrophobic character.
Synonyms: tert-Octylacrylamide; N-(1,1,3,3-Tetramethylbutyl)acrylamide; N-(2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl)acrylamide.
N-tert-Octylacrylamide can be incorporated into copolymers to introduce hydrophobic functionality while retaining the amide functionality of an N-substituted acrylamide. It has been used as a comonomer in film-forming polymer systems, including copolymer chemistries used in hair-styling formulations.
The monomer has also been studied in controlled radical polymerization. Poly(tert-octyl acrylamide) has been prepared by RAFT polymerization and evaluated as a hydrophobic polymer block in nonaqueous dispersion-polymerization research.
Key Properties
- Hydrophobic N-substituted acrylamide monomer
- Chemical purity: ≥ 95% by GC
- CAS Number: 4223-03-4
- Molecular formula: C11H21NO
- Molecular weight: 183.3 g/mol
- Appearance: white to off-white solid
- Hydrophobic character and hydrolytic stability
- Catalog number: 03141
- Package size: 25 g
Applications
Hydrophobic Polymer & Copolymer Synthesis
N-tert-Octylacrylamide is used as a hydrophobic building block in polymer and copolymer synthesis. Incorporating tert-octylacrylamide units provides a means of adjusting hydrophobic character while polymer composition, molecular weight, and architecture determine the properties of the resulting material.
Film-Forming Copolymer Research
N-tert-Octylacrylamide has been used as a comonomer in film-forming polymer systems. Copolymer performance depends on the complete monomer composition, molecular weight, neutralization state when applicable, solvent system, and film-forming conditions.
Hair-Styling Polymer Formulations
Copolymer chemistries containing tert-octylacrylamide units are used in hair-styling and fixative formulations. Cat. 03141 is the monomer used for polymer synthesis and should not be interpreted as a finished personal-care formulation or as establishing cosmetic suitability for a particular end product.
Controlled Radical & Dispersion Polymerization Research
Tert-octyl acrylamide has been polymerized using reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) methods. Poly(tert-octyl acrylamide) has also been studied as a hydrophobic steric-stabilizer block in nonaqueous dispersion polymerization in n-alkane media.
Compatibility & Bonding Considerations
- Contains one polymerizable acrylamide vinyl group
- The tert-octyl substituent contributes strong hydrophobic character
- May be used in homopolymerization or copolymerization under appropriately selected radical-polymerization conditions
- Final polymer properties depend on comonomer identity, monomer ratio, molecular weight, conversion, and polymer architecture
- N-tert-Octylacrylamide is chemically distinct from straight-chain N-octylacrylamide and from N-tert-butylacrylamide
Hydrophobicity, film formation, mechanical behavior, and water response are properties of the resulting polymer or formulation and should be characterized for the intended composition rather than inferred from the monomer alone.
Application Tips
- Evaluate monomer and comonomer compatibility in the selected solvent or formulation before polymerization
- Maintain consistent initiator concentration, temperature, oxygen control, and monomer composition when comparing radical-polymerization experiments
- Adjust N-tert-Octylacrylamide content systematically when studying the effect of hydrophobic comonomer incorporation
- Characterize the final copolymer for film formation, water response, mechanical properties, and other application-specific performance rather than attributing those properties directly to the monomer
Handling & Storage
- Store at 4°C in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Keep the container closed when not in use
- Use with good laboratory ventilation or in a chemical fume hood
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing during handling
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FAQ
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1. What is N-tert-Octylacrylamide used for?
N-tert-Octylacrylamide is a hydrophobic acrylamide monomer used in polymer and copolymer synthesis. It is relevant to film-forming copolymers, hair-styling polymer chemistry, hydrophobic polymer modification, and controlled radical polymerization research.
2. Is N-tert-Octylacrylamide the same as octylacrylamide?
“Octylacrylamide” is sometimes used as a shortened name, but the exact identity is important. Cat. 03141 is N-tert-Octylacrylamide, CAS Number 4223-03-4, containing a branched tert-octyl substituent. It should not be assumed to be interchangeable with straight-chain N-octylacrylamide.
3. Why is N-tert-Octylacrylamide used in film-forming copolymers?
The tert-octyl substituent introduces hydrophobic character into polymers containing the monomer. Film behavior and water response depend on the complete copolymer composition, molecular weight, neutralization state when applicable, solvent system, and film-forming conditions.
4. Can N-tert-Octylacrylamide be polymerized by RAFT?
Yes. Tert-octyl acrylamide has been polymerized by RAFT solution polymerization to prepare well-defined poly(tert-octyl acrylamide) homopolymers and block copolymers for polymer research.
5. What purity and package size are available for Cat. 03141?
Cat. 03141 has a purity specification of ≥ 95% by GC and is available in a 25 g package. For larger quantities, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
N-tert-Octylacrylamide causes skin and eye irritation. Use good laboratory ventilation and appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and safety glasses. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete handling, storage, first-aid, and disposal guidance.
