Poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether monomethacrylate (PEGMMA 200) is a monofunctional methacrylate monomer containing a methoxy-terminated oligo(ethylene glycol) segment. The methacrylate group can be incorporated into polymers and copolymers by radical polymerization, introducing a hydrophilic oligo(ethylene glycol) side chain.
CAS: 26915-72-0 | Nominal PEG segment molecular weight: 200
Related names: Poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate; PEGMEMA; methoxy PEG methacrylate.
The 200 grade corresponds to approximately 4–6 ethylene oxide repeat units. The PEG segment is methyl ether-capped, distinguishing PEGMMA 200 from hydroxyl-terminated PEG monomethacrylates that retain a terminal hydroxyl group.
For longer methoxy-terminated PEG segments, compare PEGMMA 400 and PEGMMA 1000.
Key Properties
- Monofunctional methacrylate monomer
- Methoxy-terminated oligo(ethylene glycol) segment
- One polymerizable methacrylate group
- Approximately 4–6 ethylene oxide repeat units
- CAS: 26915-72-0
- Linear formula: H2C=C(CH3)CO2(CH2CH2O)nCH3
- Nominal PEG segment molecular weight: 200
- Inhibitor (MEHQ): 90–110 ppm
- Moisture: ≤0.5%
- Color (APHA): ≤100
- Specific gravity: 1.048–1.057
- Acidity as methacrylic acid: ≤0.1%
- Saponification value: ≥195 mg KOH/g
- Physical state: liquid
- Appearance: clear pale yellow liquid
- Storage: 4°C
Applications
Copolymer Synthesis
PEGMMA 200 can be incorporated into polymers and copolymers through radical polymerization. The resulting polymer contains methoxy-terminated oligo(ethylene glycol) side chains derived from the PEGMMA comonomer.
Hydrophilic Polymer Modification
PEGMMA grades are used to introduce hydrophilic oligo(ethylene glycol) side chains into polymer structures. Polymer behavior depends on PEG side-chain length, comonomer composition, molecular weight, and overall polymer architecture.
Hydrogel & Polymer Network Research
Poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate monomers have been studied as comonomers in crosslinked hydrogels and related polymer networks. Because PEGMMA 200 contains one polymerizable methacrylate group, a separate multifunctional crosslinker or other network-forming chemistry is required to produce a covalently crosslinked network.
Chemical Functionality & Selection
- Contains one radical-polymerizable methacrylate group
- Contains a methoxy-terminated oligo(ethylene glycol) segment
- Does not contain the terminal hydroxyl group found in hydroxyl-terminated PEG monomethacrylates
- The “200” designation refers to the nominal molecular weight of the PEG segment rather than a single discrete molecular weight
- PEGMEMA is another commonly used name for poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate
PEGMMA 200 is suited to polymer synthesis requiring a methyl ether-capped PEG side chain. For applications that require a terminal hydroxyl group for subsequent reaction or modification, a hydroxyl-terminated PEG monomethacrylate should be selected instead.
Application Tips
- Account for the specified 90–110 ppm MEHQ inhibitor when establishing radical polymerization conditions
- Control initiator concentration, temperature, oxygen exposure, and comonomer composition when comparing polymerizations
- Use a separate multifunctional monomer when covalent crosslinking is required
- Select PEG side-chain length according to the polymer composition and architecture required for the experiment
- For chemistry requiring a terminal hydroxyl group, use a hydroxyl-terminated PEG monomethacrylate rather than the monomethyl ether grade
Handling & Storage
- Store at 4°C
- Keep cool in a well-ventilated location
- Handle with adequate laboratory ventilation or in a chemical fume hood
- Wear protective gloves and safety glasses during handling
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes
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FAQ
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1. What is PEGMMA 200?
PEGMMA 200 is poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether monomethacrylate, a monofunctional methacrylate monomer containing a methoxy-terminated oligo(ethylene glycol) segment.
2. What does the “200” in PEGMMA 200 mean?
The 200 designation refers to the nominal molecular weight of the PEG segment. Because the material contains a distribution of oligomer chain lengths, 200 is not the exact molecular weight of every molecule present.
3. What is PEGMEMA?
PEGMEMA is another commonly used abbreviation for poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate. It refers to the same class of methoxy-terminated PEG methacrylate monomers.
4. How is PEGMMA 200 different from hydroxyl-terminated PEG methacrylate?
PEGMMA 200 has a methyl ether group at the end of the PEG chain. Hydroxyl-terminated PEG monomethacrylates retain a terminal hydroxyl group, providing an additional site for chemical modification.
5. Is PEGMMA 200 a crosslinker?
PEGMMA 200 contains one polymerizable methacrylate group and is monofunctional in radical polymerization. A separate multifunctional monomer or crosslinker is required to form a covalently crosslinked network.
6. What is PEGMMA 200 used for?
PEGMMA 200 is used as a comonomer to introduce methoxy-terminated oligo(ethylene glycol) side chains into polymers. Applications include copolymer synthesis, hydrophilic polymer modification, and research involving crosslinked polymer networks.
7. Does PEGMMA 200 contain an inhibitor?
Yes. MEHQ is specified at 90–110 ppm. The inhibitor concentration should be considered when establishing polymerization conditions.
8. How should PEGMMA 200 be stored?
Store at 4°C in a cool, well-ventilated location.
9. Are other PEGMMA molecular weights available?
Yes. Related grades include PEGMMA 400 and PEGMMA 1000. PEG side-chain length can be selected according to the polymer composition and architecture required for the experiment.
10. Can I request a larger quantity?
Yes. For larger quantities, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
Handle with appropriate laboratory ventilation, protective gloves, and eye protection. Review the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete hazard and handling information, the Product Specification for current quality-control specifications, and the Monomers Product Guide for related PEG methacrylate monomers.
