Phenyl acrylate is an aromatic, monofunctional acrylate monomer used in polymer and copolymer synthesis. The phenyl ester group provides aromatic functionality, and the monomer has a refractive index of 1.518.
Synonym: Acrylic Acid Phenyl Ester.
Phenyl acrylate can undergo free-radical polymerization to form poly(phenyl acrylate) and can also be incorporated into copolymer architectures. Its aromatic structure and UV-absorbing character make it relevant to polymer research where optical response, refractive index, and polymer composition are important formulation variables.
The 57°C glass transition temperature associated with phenyl acrylate refers to the poly(phenyl acrylate) homopolymer rather than the monomer itself. Thermal and optical properties of copolymers containing phenyl acrylate depend on composition, molecular weight, polymer architecture, and processing conditions.
Key Properties
- Aromatic, monofunctional acrylate monomer
- Chemical purity: ≥ 95%
- CAS Number: 937-41-7
- Molecular formula: C9H8O2
- Molecular weight: 148.2 g/mol
- Appearance: clear liquid
- Monomer refractive index: 1.518
- Poly(phenyl acrylate) homopolymer Tg: 57°C
- Inhibitor: approximately 100 ppm MEHQ
- Catalog number: 02642
- Package size: 10 g
Applications
Polymer & Copolymer Synthesis
Phenyl acrylate is used as an aromatic acrylate building block in polymer and copolymer synthesis. Its acrylate functionality supports free-radical polymerization, while the phenyl ester group introduces aromatic character into the resulting polymer structure.
Controlled Radical Polymerization
Phenyl acrylate has been studied in controlled radical polymerization, including reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. These methods have been used to prepare well-defined poly(phenyl acrylate)-containing block copolymers.
Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly Research
Phenyl acrylate has been used as a core-forming monomer in polymerization-induced self-assembly studies. RAFT polymerization of phenyl acrylate has been demonstrated in aqueous emulsion, alcoholic dispersion, and nonpolar dispersion systems to prepare block copolymer nano-objects.
Optical & Refractive-Index Research
With a monomer refractive index of 1.518, phenyl acrylate may be evaluated in polymer formulations where refractive index is an important design parameter. The refractive index of the resulting homopolymer or copolymer should be measured independently because it depends on polymer composition and material structure.
Compatibility & Bonding Considerations
- Contains a single polymerizable acrylate group for radical polymerization and copolymerization
- Contains approximately 100 ppm MEHQ inhibitor, which should be considered when establishing polymerization conditions
- Polymer properties depend on comonomer identity, composition, molecular weight, conversion, and polymer architecture
- The refractive index of 1.518 is a monomer property and should not be used as the refractive index of the resulting polymer
- The 57°C glass transition temperature refers to poly(phenyl acrylate) homopolymer rather than phenyl acrylate monomer
Phenyl acrylate is chemically distinct from benzyl acrylate and phenyl methacrylate. Differences in the ester substituent and polymerizable group can produce substantially different polymerization and material behavior.
Application Tips
- Account for the approximately 100 ppm MEHQ inhibitor when establishing initiation conditions and reaction time
- Control initiator concentration, reaction temperature, oxygen exposure, and monomer composition when comparing polymerization results
- Use the 57°C homopolymer Tg as a reference value rather than assuming the same Tg for phenyl acrylate copolymers
- For refractive-index studies, measure the final polymer or formulation rather than applying the monomer refractive index of 1.518 directly to the polymer
Handling & Storage
- Store at 4°C in a cool, well-ventilated location
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use
- Use with adequate laboratory ventilation or in a chemical fume hood
- Avoid breathing vapor, mist, or spray
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing during handling
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FAQ
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1. What is phenyl acrylate used for?
Phenyl acrylate is an aromatic acrylate monomer used in polymer and copolymer synthesis. It has also been studied in free-radical polymerization, RAFT polymerization, polymerization-induced self-assembly, and polymer research where aromatic or optical properties are relevant.
2. What is the refractive index of phenyl acrylate?
Phenyl acrylate has a monomer refractive index of 1.518. This is a property of the liquid monomer and should not be interpreted as the refractive index of poly(phenyl acrylate) or a phenyl acrylate copolymer.
3. What is the glass transition temperature of poly(phenyl acrylate)?
Poly(phenyl acrylate) has a homopolymer Tg of approximately 57°C. The value applies to the homopolymer, not the phenyl acrylate monomer. Copolymer Tg depends on composition, molecular weight, architecture, and processing history.
4. Is phenyl acrylate the same as benzyl acrylate or phenyl methacrylate?
No. Phenyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, and phenyl methacrylate are distinct monomers. Phenyl acrylate is the phenyl ester of acrylic acid, while benzyl acrylate contains a methylene group between the phenyl ring and ester oxygen, and phenyl methacrylate contains a methacrylate rather than an acrylate group.
5. What inhibitor and package size are specified for Cat. 02642?
Phenyl acrylate, Cat. 02642, contains approximately 100 ppm MEHQ inhibitor and is available in a 10 g package. For larger quantities, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
Phenyl acrylate is harmful if inhaled and can cause skin and eye irritation. Use appropriate laboratory ventilation and personal protective equipment. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete handling, storage, first-aid, and disposal guidance.
