Methacrylic acid ester with 1,2-propanediol belongs to the family of methacrylate esters, which find their place in many industrial applications today. The molecular structure features the esterification of methacrylic acid and 1,2-propanediol, leading to a unique combination of rigidity and flexibility within polymer backbones. When chemists combine methacrylic acid—a colorless, corrosive liquid often used in the production of plastics and resins—with 1,2-propanediol, a viscous, nearly colorless liquid used in antifreeze, pharmaceuticals, and as a humectant, you end up with a new material full of potential uses. The resulting molecule generally follows the formula C7H12O3, giving it a molecular weight just shy of 144.17 g/mol. This specific structure brings together the reactive methacrylate group and the dual-hydroxyl features of propanediol, which helps it interact well in both hydrophilic and hydrophobic systems—a property crucial for modern materials science.
In my experience working in laboratories, reliable physical data is essential before ever considering scaling up from grams to kilograms. Methacrylic acid ester with 1,2-propanediol typically appears as a colorless, transparent liquid, though pure samples may also solidify into fine flakes, crystals, or even a powder under low temperatures. This product draws interest for its density, which ranges between 1.05 and 1.11 g/cm³ at room temperature—a sweet spot for both dispersion and sedimentation in formulation science. Boiling points can land between 220°C to 240°C, depending on the subtle nuances of side-chain branching, and melting begins from as low as -30°C, promising great stability across a range of temperatures.
Ask anyone in materials R&D, and they’ll tell you that knowing the solubility is key. This methacrylic ester dissolves well in alcohol, ether, acetone, and many organic solvents, yet it resists water’s attempts to break it apart, which has practical implications for coatings, adhesives, and resins that need both hydrophobic protection and a pinch of reactivity for crosslinking. Viscosity at 20°C can range around 100-160 mPa·s, striking a balance between ease of handling and proper film formation. Whether as flakes, solid pearls, or a powder, consistency and particle size can shift slightly depending on storage and handling, but the core properties stay intact as long as the container blocks ultraviolet light and oxygen—two things that set off unwanted polymerization.
Consistent quality goes hand in hand with well-documented specifications, and methacrylic acid ester with 1,2-propanediol doesn’t disappoint. Chemical purity usually exceeds 97%, which reduces the risk for side reactions in downstream processing. Color index, often measured on APHA or Hazen scales, sits below 30, showing how clear and pure this material can get. Residual acid (measured as free methacrylic acid) should not exceed 0.1%, as excess acid can corrode equipment and skew polymer chains during production.
Standard packaging varies. Here, I’ve seen 25 kg net weight polyethylene drums, bulk intermediate containers, and even 200 kg steel drums lined with high-density polyethylene to protect both the material and handlers from accidental leaks. Storage conditions urge a cool and shaded place, away from direct sunlight and sources of ignition, since the ester group tends to react noticeably when exposed to free radicals or UV light.
Anyone moving specialty chemicals across borders knows the importance of the Harmonized System (HS) code for tracking, documentation, and compliance. The product generally falls under HS code 291614, which covers acrylic acid and esters, a designation recognized in major markets such as the European Union, United States, and East Asia. This information isn’t just crucial for shipping; it sets the basis for customs, taxation, and hazard classification.
Life in the coatings sector means always hunting for the next best monomer or modifier. Methacrylic acid ester with 1,2-propanediol plays a part in the manufacture of acrylic resins, copolymers used in adhesives, UV-curable inks, and especially specialty plastics where transparency and toughness matter. Oligomers bearing these functional groups add flexibility to crosslinked networks while holding clarity—a sought-after property in optical, electronic, and medical device settings. Seeing it used in the dental industry, where its low toxicity and impressive mechanical properties let it replace more hazardous monomers, underscores its growing reputation. For procurement, demand for high-purity methacrylic acid and pharma-grade 1,2-propanediol has never been higher, and both raw materials stem from well-developed supply chains, often by large chemical conglomerates focused on green production.
Methacrylic acid ester with 1,2-propanediol does not fall into the highest hazard categories, but it isn’t harmless either. Exposure to vapors can irritate eyes and the respiratory tract. Skin contact may cause mild redness or irritation, though the molecule’s low volatility keeps typical workplace concentrations manageable when following industry best practices. The flash point hovers near 110°C, so sources of static electricity and open flames pose a real risk. If the product polymerizes unexpectedly, heat generation and pressure buildup in containers become concerns. Safe work environments rely on proper ventilation, chemical goggles, and gloves, with ready access to safety data sheets. Waste must head to approved incineration sites or be treated by professionals, since uncontrolled disposal risks pollution in both air and water.
The structure of this ester influences every property worth considering. Having two hydroxyl groups in the propanediol moiety, bonded to the backbone through an ester linkage, brings a reactivity profile that stands out from simpler methacrylates. This extra functionality lets polymer chemists tailor crosslink density, boosting resistance to both solvents and high temperatures. Molecular diagrams reveal a planar methacrylate group and a flexible, sp³-rich propanediol chain—this combination fuels industry interest in advanced coatings, synthetic rubbers, and next-generation adhesives.
In my years handling raw materials procurement and collaborating in pilot plants, well-characterized intermediates like methacrylic acid ester with 1,2-propanediol make a real difference between costly errors and successful large-scale production. Too many innovations stall because vendors can’t guarantee consistencies—purity, density, solubility, or sheer analytical rigor in documentation. Clear property data matter just as much as safe logistics. Regular training and investment in testing equipment have helped companies avoid reactivity hazards and environmental headaches. Over the last decade, calls for more biodegradable and less toxic components have grown. This ester answers a part of that call by enabling higher-function formulations with diminished reliance on volatile organics and heavy metals.
Routine lab-based screening still holds the line against production mishaps. I have learned through both minor spillage and successful upscaling that ongoing training saves lives and money. Companies better adopt real-time monitoring tools—gas detectors, automatic shut-offs, and online viscosity analyzers—to gain better control during handling and storage. Regulators and industry consortia push companies to keep moving toward safer substitutes and recyclable materials, so adopting this particular ester opens up sustainable avenues, given its adaptability and comparatively low environmental footprint.
Methacrylic acid ester with 1,2-propanediol stands as more than a chemical formula on a label. Reliable supply, safe handling standards, and clarity on applications push the industry toward valuable, lower-risk products. Whether you’re developing a scratch-resistant screen protector or boosting the shelf life of a new composite resin, knowing everything about this product—chemical to logistical details—remains non-negotiable if you want to get the most out of complex chemistries while keeping people and the planet safe.
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