Triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) is a difunctional aliphatic methacrylate monomer used as a crosslinking comonomer in free-radical polymerization. The molecule contains two terminal methacrylate groups connected by a triethylene glycol spacer, allowing it to introduce branching and crosslinking sites into compatible polymer networks.
Synonyms: TEGDMA; triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate; methacrylic acid, diester with triethylene glycol. CAS No.: 109-16-0. Molecular formula: C14H22O6. Molecular weight: 286.2.
TEGDMA is a clear liquid with 90% purity by GC and 60.0–100.0 ppm hydroquinone (HQ) inhibitor. It is used in laboratory research and chemical manufacturing workflows involving methacrylate polymerization and crosslinked resin development.
Key Properties
- Difunctional aliphatic dimethacrylate monomer
- Two polymerizable methacrylate groups
- Purity by GC: 90%
- Viscosity at 25°C: 5.0–12.0 cP
- Specific gravity: 1.0660–1.0740
- Hydroquinone (HQ): 60.0–100.0 ppm
- Appearance: Clear liquid
- Color, APHA: 50
Applications
Polymer Synthesis & Crosslinking
TEGDMA is used as a comonomer and crosslinking agent in methacrylate-based and other compatible free-radical polymer systems. TEGDMA concentration can affect network structure, crosslink density, conversion, and final material properties.
Photocurable & Thermally Cured Resin Systems
TEGDMA can be polymerized using compatible photoinitiated or thermally initiated free-radical systems. Polymerization rate and conversion depend on the initiator package, monomer composition, cure temperature or irradiation conditions, oxygen exposure, and sample geometry.
Dental Resin Research
TEGDMA is widely studied as a comonomer in experimental dental resin and composite formulations. Polysciences TEGDMA is a laboratory reagent and is not represented as a finished dental material, clinical product, or medical-device-grade material.
Coatings & Adhesives Research
TEGDMA may be evaluated as a reactive crosslinking component in methacrylate-based coating and adhesive formulations. Adhesion, cure response, shrinkage, toughness, and solvent resistance depend on the complete formulation and processing conditions.
Polymerization & Formulation Considerations
- The two methacrylate groups allow TEGDMA to introduce branching and crosslinking sites during copolymerization
- Hydroquinone content should be considered when establishing initiator concentration and cure conditions
- Final formulation viscosity depends on TEGDMA concentration and the other monomers, oligomers, fillers, and additives present
- Conversion and network properties depend on monomer ratio, initiator chemistry, temperature or irradiation conditions, and oxygen exposure
- Residual monomer content and final material properties should be evaluated for the intended application
TEGDMA is chemically distinct from triethylene glycol diacrylate, tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and triethylene glycol divinyl ether. These materials differ in reactive group chemistry, spacer length, or both and should not be treated as interchangeable without formulation testing.
Application Tips
- Use clean, dry, chemically compatible equipment
- Confirm miscibility and compatibility with other monomers, oligomers, additives, fillers, and initiators
- Establish cure conditions using representative formulation thicknesses and geometries
- Account for hydroquinone content when selecting the initiator system and processing conditions
- Evaluate conversion, residual monomer, and relevant mechanical or chemical properties in the final formulation
Handling & Storage
- Store at 4°C
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use
- Protect the product from contamination and unintended polymerization
- Use with adequate ventilation and appropriate personal protective equipment
- Consult the Safety Data Sheet for complete handling, storage, and disposal guidance
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FAQ
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1. What does TEGDMA stand for?
TEGDMA stands for triethylene glycol dimethacrylate. It is a difunctional monomer containing two polymerizable methacrylate groups connected by a triethylene glycol spacer.
2. Is TEGDMA a crosslinking monomer?
Yes. TEGDMA contains two methacrylate groups and can introduce branching or crosslinking sites when copolymerized with compatible monomers under suitable free-radical polymerization conditions.
3. Can TEGDMA be used in UV-curable or photocurable resins?
TEGDMA can be used in photocurable formulations with a compatible photoinitiator and suitable irradiation conditions. Cure rate and conversion depend on the complete formulation, light source, exposure conditions, oxygen availability, and sample geometry.
4. Is TEGDMA used in dental resin formulations?
TEGDMA is commonly studied as a comonomer in experimental dental resin and composite formulations. Polysciences TEGDMA is intended for laboratory research and is not represented for direct clinical use or as a finished medical-device material.
5. Is TEGDMA the same as tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate?
No. TEGDMA contains a triethylene glycol spacer, while tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate contains a longer tetraethylene glycol spacer. They are distinct monomers and may differ in viscosity, polymerization behavior, and network properties.
6. Is TEGDMA the same as triethylene glycol diacrylate?
No. TEGDMA contains methacrylate groups, while triethylene glycol diacrylate contains acrylate groups. The difference in reactive group chemistry can affect polymerization rate and formulation performance.
7. What are the key specifications for Polysciences TEGDMA?
Purity by GC is 90%. The viscosity range is 5.0–12.0 cP at 25°C, the specific gravity range is 1.0660–1.0740, and hydroquinone content is 60.0–100.0 ppm.
8. How should TEGDMA be stored?
Store TEGDMA at 4°C with the container tightly closed. Protect the material from contamination and unintended polymerization. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet for complete storage and handling requirements.
Safety & Documentation
Use triethylene glycol dimethacrylate with adequate ventilation and appropriate personal protective equipment. Avoid skin and eye contact and minimize exposure to vapors or aerosols. Refer to the product Safety Data Sheet and specification sheet for complete hazard, handling, storage, and disposal information.
