2-Ethyl Hexyl Acrylate (2EHA) is a high-potential acrylic ester. It is broadly used as a comonomer in polymer chemistry. Owing to its long C₈ side-chain and C=C vinyl group, 2EHA imparts excellent low-temperature flexibility, toughness, and hydrophobicity to copolymers. Its versatility spans paints, coatings, sealants, pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), and specialty hydrogels, making it a cornerstone in advanced industrial formulations. Technical-grade 2EHA is typically supplied as a clear, colorless, flammable liquid with high purity (>99.5 %) and standard peroxide inhibitors to safely manage its polymerizability.
2-Ethyl Hexyl Acrylate, also known as 2-propenoic acid 2-ethylhexyl ester (CAS 103-11-7), is an acrylic monomer used extensively to manufacture both homopolymers and copolymers. It is a colorless, low-volatility liquid with a characteristic sweet or acrid odor, melting point around –90 °C, boiling at ~215 °C, and a density near 0.885 g/cm³ at 20 °C. Its molar mass is 184.28 g/mol.
Due to the long aliphatic side chain, 2EHA homopolymers exhibit glass-transition temperatures (Tg) near –65 °C, rendering them soft and flexible. As a comonomer, this bulky side groupsha improves polymer flexibility, adhesion, hydrophobicity, weather resistance, and UV stability. It copolymerizes readily with acrylic acid & its esters, acrylonitrile, styrene, vinyl acetate & also butadiene. This enables tunable polymer architectures for diverse applications. Its main industrial uses include PSAs, paints, textile finishes, inks, latex coatings, paper coatings, food-contact adhesives, sealants, and superabsorbent polymers for hygiene products.
A key feature of 2EHA is its low reactivity ratio in copolymerizations (e.g., r ≈ 0.26 with styrene), which affords well-randomized copolymer chains. As a reactive monomer, it polymerizes violently if uncontrolled, which necessitates stabilization via inhibitors like MEHQ under aerobic storage and handling.
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 103-11-7 |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless, transparent liquid |
| Molecular Formula | C11H20O2 |
| Odor | Sweet to acrid |
| Purity | ≥ 99.5 % (GC) |
| Molecular Weight | 184.28 g/mol |
| Color (APHA/Vis) | ≤ 10 |
| Water Content | ≤ 0.05 % |
| Acidity (as acrylic acid) | 0.009 % |
| Water Content | ≤ 0.05 % |
| Inhibitor (MEHQ) | ~10–20 ppm |
| Density (20 °C) | ~0.882–0.886 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~–90 °C |
| Boiling Point | ~215 °C |
| Flash Point (CC) | ~82–87 °C |
| Auto-ignition Temp. | Auto-ignition Temp. |
| Vapor Pressure (20 °C) | ~0.016 kPa. |
| Refractive Index (20 °C) | nD20 ≈ 1.434–1.437 |
| Viscosity (20 °C) | ~1.75 mPa·s |
| Solubility in Water | ~9.6 mg/L |
| Log P (octanol/water) | ~3.7–4.3 |
2EHA is commercialized per global technical data sheets. Typical attributes include:
High assay (≥99.5 % by GC)
Minimal impurities (esters, alcohols, residual acrylic acid)
Low acidity (<0.01 %)
Residual inhibitor 10–20 ppm MEHQ
Water content ≤ 0.05 %
Physical properties: density, RI, viscosity within specification ranges.
To prevent spontaneous polymerization:
The structure consists of an acrylic ester (vinyl group) attached to a branched 2-ethylhexyl group:
CH₂=CH–COO–CH₂–CH(CH₂–CH₂–CH₂–CH₃)₂Molecular formula: C₁₁H₂₀O₂; SMILES: CCCCCC(CC)COC(=O)C=C
The steric bulk of the side chain contributes to chain flexibility (Tg ~–65 °C) and allows effective chain entanglements for enhanced adhesive strength.
Shakti Chemicals stands out as premier global suppliers, traders, dealers, importers, and distributors of 2-Ethyl Hexyl Acrylate in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Here's why:
High-purity grades (≥99.5 %) meeting international standards.
Consistent inventory, ensuring prompt dispatch to meet production demands.
Comprehensive documentation: delivery accompanied by Trace certificates, SDS, TDS.
Global delivery network with seamless logistics and packaging in ISO tanks, drums, and flexi-tanks.
Technical support: expert assistance for formulation and safe handling.
Competitive pricing via strong supplier relationships and economies of scale.
ISO-certified quality systems ensure robust QA/QC.
Risk management: packaging, stabilization, and shipping designed to minimize hazards.
On-demand availability for branded, customized, or white-label emerges.
Our suppliers, traders, exporters, importers, and distributors infrastructure empower us to support industries globally with dependable, quality 2EHA in India.
Drums: ~200 kg (nominally 180–210 kg)
ISO Tanks / IBCs: ~1 000 kg
Bulk shipments via flexitank or rail: up to 20 MT
Key industrial uses include:
Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs) — such as labels, tapes, medical adhesives; enhances tack, peel and shear while ensuring removability.
Coatings & Paints — emulsion and solvent-borne coatings; enhances flexibility, weather abrasion resistance, clarity, and gloss.
Sealants & Caulks — used in elastomeric sealant formulations for joint movement accommodation.
Printing Inks — added for binder flexibility and print adhesion.
Textile & Leather Finishes — in latex systems for fabric and leather hydrophobic coatings.
Paper Coatings — provides oil and moisture resistance in food and packaging applications.
Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs) — used in hygiene products (e.g., diapers) to create hydrogels with rapid swelling.
Plastic & Resins — combined into copolymers for impact modifiers and plasticizers.
Chemical Intermediates — acrylic ester participates in various organic syntheses.
What is the shelf life?
Typically 6–12 months at ≤ 35 °C with proper oxygen— stored per FIFO, monthly aeration .
Why store under air and not nitrogen?
Oxygen maintains peroxide inhibitors (e.g., MEHQ); an inert atmosphere removes oxygen and risks uncontrolled polymerization.
What safety precautions are required?
Use goggles, gloves, respirator; avoid sparks/heat; grounding necessary; flame-resistant storage.
Is 2EHA toxic or irritating?
Moderate skin irritation and possible sensitization; vapors irritate respiratory tract; handle in ventilated areas.
Is it biodegradable?
Yes—readily biodegradable with low bioaccumulative potential; harmful to aquatic life in high concentrations.
Storage material compatibility?
Use stainless steel or aluminum; carbon steel acceptable but can corrode and contaminate.
What is its flash point?
About 82–87 °C (closed-cup) – categorized as combustible liquid.
What copolymers is it suitable for?
Compatible with acrylic/methacrylic acids/esters, styrene, acrylonitrile, vinyl acetate, butadiene, unsaturated polyesters.
What Tg does it impart to polymers?
Copolymers exhibit Tg near –65 °C, suited for applications requiring flexibility at low temperatures
Can it polymerize during transportation?
Without inhibitor or with low oxygen, heating can lead to exothermic polymerization. Proper stabilization and shipment containers essential .
2-Ethyl Hexyl Acrylate (2EHA) is a high-value acrylic monomer renowned for its ability to impart flexibility, hydrophobicity, and low-temperature toughness to copolymers. With high purity, controlled inhibitor levels, and adherence to stringent handling and storage protocols, it forms a backbone for major industrial applications in adhesives, coatings, sealants, inks, and superabsorbent materials. Shakti Chemicals in Maharashtra excels in delivering top-tier 2EHA across global markets as trusted suppliers, traders, dealers, importers, and distributors, backed with technical support, thorough documentation, and efficient logistics. Selecting 2EHA from Shakti ensures consistency, reliability, and performance excellence for your formulations.
Looking for high-quality 2-Ethyl Hexyl Acrylate (2EHA)? Contact us today for bulk orders and technical details.
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