Pentaerythritol triacrylate is a trifunctional acrylate monomer containing three polymerizable acrylate ester groups and one unesterified hydroxyl group. It is used as a multifunctional crosslinking monomer in polymer synthesis and radiation-curable acrylate formulations.
Synonyms: PETA; Pentaerythrityl triacrylate.
The three acrylate groups can participate in free-radical polymerization to form covalent network junctions, while the remaining hydroxyl group provides additional reactive functionality. Network structure and final material properties depend on monomer concentration, comonomer composition, conversion, initiation chemistry, oxygen exposure, and cure conditions.
Key Properties
- Trifunctional acrylate crosslinking monomer
- Additional functionality: hydroxyl group
- CAS Number: 3524-68-3
- Molecular weight: 298.3 g/mol
- Linear formula: (H2C=CHCO2CH2)3CCH2OH
- MEHQ inhibitor: 300–400 ppm
- Free acrylic acid: ≤0.20%
- Water content: ≤0.50%
- Specific gravity: 1.1520–1.1720
- Viscosity at 25°C: 350–700 cP
- Color: ≤250 APHA
- Catalog number: 04259
- Storage: 4°C
Applications
Crosslinked Polymer Networks
Pentaerythritol triacrylate is used as a multifunctional crosslinking monomer in free-radical polymerization. Its three acrylate groups allow one molecule to participate at multiple points in a developing polymer network.
UV-Curable Formulations
Multifunctional acrylates are used in UV-curable resin systems where rapid radical polymerization and network formation are required. Cure response depends on the photoinitiator system, irradiation wavelength and intensity, oxygen exposure, film thickness, and formulation composition.
Electron-Beam-Curable Formulations
Pentaerythritol triacrylate can also be incorporated into electron-beam-curable acrylate formulations. Conversion and resulting network structure depend on radiation dose, monomer composition, and processing conditions.
Coatings, Inks & Adhesive Formulation
Pentaerythritol triacrylate can be used as a reactive crosslinking component in acrylate-based coatings, inks, and adhesive formulations when multifunctional acrylate chemistry is required. Final mechanical, surface, and chemical-resistance properties are formulation dependent.
Polymerization & Formulation Considerations
- Three acrylate groups provide higher polymerizable functionality than mono- or difunctional acrylate monomers
- One unesterified hydroxyl group distinguishes the triacrylate from fully esterified pentaerythritol tetraacrylate
- MEHQ concentration is 300–400 ppm and should be considered when comparing polymerization or cure behavior
- Oxygen can inhibit free-radical acrylate polymerization, particularly near exposed surfaces
- Crosslink density and network properties depend on conversion, monomer ratio, comonomer identity, initiation conditions, and network architecture
Pentaerythritol triacrylate should not be treated as interchangeable with pentaerythritol or pentaerythritol tetraacrylate. Pentaerythritol is the parent tetraol, while the triacrylate contains three acrylate ester groups and one remaining hydroxyl group.
Application Tips
- Account for the 300–400 ppm MEHQ inhibitor level when comparing polymerization kinetics or cure response across formulations
- For photopolymerization, match photoinitiator absorption to the irradiation source and control irradiance and exposure time
- Control oxygen exposure when surface conversion is important in free-radical acrylate curing
- Keep monomer-to-comonomer ratio and sample geometry consistent when comparing network properties
- Characterize conversion when cure extent is an experimental variable
Handling & Storage
- Store at 4°C in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use
- Handle with good laboratory ventilation or in a chemical fume hood
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes
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FAQ
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1. What is pentaerythritol triacrylate used for?
Pentaerythritol triacrylate is used as a trifunctional crosslinking monomer in polymer synthesis and in UV- and electron-beam-curable acrylate formulations.
2. What is the CAS number for pentaerythritol triacrylate?
The CAS number for pentaerythritol triacrylate is 3524-68-3.
3. Is pentaerythritol triacrylate the same as pentaerythritol?
No. Pentaerythritol is the parent tetrafunctional alcohol. Pentaerythritol triacrylate is the corresponding triacrylate ester, containing three acrylate ester groups and one remaining hydroxyl group.
4. Is pentaerythritol triacrylate the same as pentaerythritol tetraacrylate?
No. Pentaerythritol triacrylate contains three acrylate ester groups and one hydroxyl group, whereas the tetraacrylate has four acrylate ester functionalities. Because the acronym PETA can be used inconsistently, the full chemical name and CAS number should be used when distinguishing these materials.
5. How much MEHQ inhibitor does this grade contain?
Pentaerythritol triacrylate, Cat. 04259, contains 300–400 ppm MEHQ. Inhibitor concentration should be considered when comparing free-radical polymerization kinetics or cure behavior.
Safety & Documentation
Use appropriate laboratory ventilation and personal protective equipment when handling pentaerythritol triacrylate. Avoid skin and eye contact. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete hazard, handling, storage, transport, and disposal information.
