Tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TeEGDMA) is a difunctional methacrylate monomer used as a crosslinker in free-radical polymerization. Two terminal methacrylate groups are connected by a tetraethylene glycol spacer, allowing the monomer to form covalent junctions within crosslinked polymer networks.
Synonyms: TeEGDMA; Tetraethyleneglycol dimethacrylate.
TeEGDMA has been used as a crosslinking monomer in hydrogel, nanogel, and other polymer-network research. Crosslinker concentration can influence network structure, swelling behavior, and resulting material properties, so final performance depends on monomer composition, conversion, initiation conditions, and polymer architecture.
Cat. 02654 has a purity of at least 85% by GC and contains 50–100 ppm hydroquinone (HQ) inhibitor. It is chemically distinct from tetraethylene glycol itself, tetraethylene glycol diacrylate, and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate.
Key Properties
- Difunctional methacrylate crosslinking monomer
- Purity by GC: ≥ 85%
- CAS Number: 109-17-1
- Molecular formula: C16H26O7
- Molecular weight: 330.3 g/mol
- Viscosity at 25°C: 10.0–18.0 cPs
- HQ inhibitor: 50–100 ppm
- Refractive index: 1.463
- Catalog number: 02654
- Package sizes: 50 g and 250 g
Applications
Crosslinked Polymer Networks
TeEGDMA is used as a difunctional crosslinker in polymer formulations where two methacrylate groups can participate in free-radical polymerization to form covalent network junctions. Network properties depend on crosslinker concentration, comonomer composition, conversion, and polymerization conditions.
Hydrogel Research
Tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate has been used to crosslink methacrylate-based hydrogel systems, including HEMA- and N-isopropylacrylamide-containing networks. Crosslinker concentration can be varied experimentally to study changes in network morphology, swelling, and related material behavior.
Nanogel & Responsive Polymer Research
TeEGDMA has been used as a crosslinker in oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate-based nanogels and other responsive polymer systems. Its two polymerizable methacrylate groups enable formation of crosslinked network structures during radical polymerization.
PMMA Crosslinking Research
Tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate has also been evaluated as a crosslinking agent in poly(methyl methacrylate) resin systems, including research examining how crosslinker identity and concentration affect mechanical properties.
Compatibility & Bonding Considerations
- Contains two polymerizable methacrylate groups capable of forming covalent network junctions
- Suitable for free-radical polymerization under appropriately selected initiation conditions
- Contains 50–100 ppm HQ inhibitor, which should be considered when establishing polymerization conditions
- Crosslink density and final material properties depend on TeEGDMA concentration, comonomer composition, conversion, and network architecture
- Tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate and tetraethylene glycol diacrylate are chemically distinct and should not be treated as interchangeable
Tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate is also distinct from triethylene glycol dimethacrylate. Because the abbreviation TEGDMA is frequently associated with the triethylene glycol compound, CAS number and molecular weight should be used to confirm chemical identity when selecting a glycol dimethacrylate.
Application Tips
- Account for the 50–100 ppm HQ inhibitor level when establishing polymerization conditions
- Keep crosslinker concentration consistent when comparing network structure, swelling, or mechanical properties among formulations
- For photopolymerized systems, maintain consistent initiator concentration and irradiation conditions across comparative experiments
- Characterize conversion and final network properties rather than assuming material behavior from monomer structure alone
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
- Avoid breathing mist or vapors generated during handling
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing
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FAQ
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1. What is tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate used for?
Tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate is a difunctional methacrylate used as a crosslinker in free-radical polymerization. Published research includes crosslinked polymer networks, hydrogels, nanogels, and PMMA-based systems.
2. Is tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate the same as tetraethylene glycol?
No. Tetraethylene glycol is a glycol containing terminal hydroxyl groups. Tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate contains two terminal methacrylate ester groups that can participate in free-radical polymerization and crosslinking.
3. Is tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate the same as triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)?
No. They are different compounds. Tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate, Cat. 02654, has CAS Number 109-17-1 and molecular weight 330.3 g/mol. Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) has CAS Number 109-16-0 and molecular weight 286.2 g/mol. TeEGDMA is a useful abbreviation for the tetraethylene glycol compound when the distinction is important.
4. Is tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate the same as tetraethylene glycol diacrylate?
No. Tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate contains methacrylate end groups, while tetraethylene glycol diacrylate contains acrylate end groups. The two monomers are chemically distinct and can exhibit different polymerization behavior.
5. What purity, inhibitor level, and package sizes are available?
Cat. 02654 has a purity specification of ≥ 85% by GC and contains 50–100 ppm HQ inhibitor. It is available in 50 g and 250 g packages. For larger quantities, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
Tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate causes skin irritation and may cause an allergic skin reaction. 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.
