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Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, Ethylene Glycol Monomethacrylate, HEMA, 2-HEMA, 868-77-9

Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, Ethylene Glycol Monomethacrylate, HEMA, 2-HEMA, 868-77-9

2-HYDROXYETHYL METHACRYLATE (2-HEMA) 

CAS Number: 868-77-9
EC Number (EINECS): 212-782-2
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀O₃
Molecular Weight: 130.14 g/mol
Chemical Class: Methacrylate ester (functional monomer)

SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

Parameter Description
Chemical Name (IUPAC) 2-Hydroxyethyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate
Other Names 2-HEMA, HEMA, Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, Ethylene glycol monomethacrylate, 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate
CAS Number 868-77-9
EC Number (EINECS) 212-782-2
Molecular Formula C₆H₁₀O₃
Molecular Weight 130.14 g/mol
Chemical Class Methacrylate ester (functional monomer)
Structure CH₂=C(CH₃)-COO-CH₂-CH₂OH
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid
Physical State Liquid
Odor Aromatic
Functional Groups Methacrylate (C=C), hydroxyl (-OH)
Purity ≥ 98.0%
Inhibitor 250 ± 50 ppm MEHQ

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Property Value / Range
Molecular Formula C₆H₁₀O₃
Molecular Weight 130.14 g/mol
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid
Odor Aromatic
Density (25°C) ~1.073 g/mL
Boiling Point ~211°C
Freezing Point -12°C
Flash Point ~96°C
Viscosity (20°C) ~6.8 mPa·s
Vapor Pressure 0.065 hPa
Purity ≥ 98.0%
Acid Content ≤ 1.0%
Water Content ≤ 0.3%
Color (APHA) ≤ 30
Inhibitor 250 ± 50 ppm MEHQ
Solubility in Water Soluble (miscible)
Solubility in Organic Solvents Soluble in alcohols, ethers, and most organic solvents

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Property Description
Chemical Class Methacrylate ester (functional monomer)
Functional Groups Methacrylate (C=C), hydroxyl (-OH)
Reactivity High; readily polymerizes
Polymerization Free-radical polymerization (bulk, solution, emulsion)
Copolymerization Copolymerizes with (meth)acrylic acid and salts, amides, esters, acrylonitrile, maleic esters, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, styrene, butadiene
Hydroxyl Reactivity Enables further functionalization via esterification, etherification, isocyanate reactions
Thermal Decomposition > 200°C releases CO, CO₂, and irritant vapors
Hydrolysis Hydrolyzes in acidic/basic media to methacrylic acid and ethylene glycol
Oxidation May form peroxides in air

3.1. Key Reactions

Reaction Type Description
Radical Polymerization Forms homopolymers and copolymers
Copolymerization With acrylates, methacrylates, styrene, vinyl acetate, butadiene
Hydroxyl Reactions Esterification, etherification, isocyanate reaction
Hydrolysis Methacrylic acid + Ethylene glycol

SECTION 4: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES

Property Description
Chemical Resistance Provides good chemical resistance
Hydrolytic Stability Good hydrolytic stability
Flexibility Provides flexibility in polymers
Impact Resistance Provides good impact resistance
Adhesion Good adhesion properties
Weather Resistance Good weather resistance
Hydrophilicity Hydrophilic character due to hydroxyl group
Hydroxyl Functionality Enables crosslinking and further modification

SECTION 5: MAJOR APPLICATIONS AND END-USES

5.1. Coatings and Resins (Most Important Application)

Application Function Suitability
Coating Resins Co-monomer, crosslinker High
Automotive Coatings Co-monomer, crosslinker High
Architectural Coatings Co-monomer, crosslinker High
Industrial Coatings Co-monomer, crosslinker High
Paper Coatings Co-monomer High

5.2. Adhesives and Sealants

Application Function Suitability
Adhesives Co-monomer, adhesion promoter High
Sealants Co-monomer, crosslinker High

5.3. Medical and Biotechnology

Application Function Suitability
Contact Lenses Hydrophilic monomer High
Biomedical Materials Biocompatible polymers High
Drug Delivery Systems Hydrogel components High

5.4. Plastics and Polymers

Application Function Suitability
Plastics Co-monomer, modifier High
Hygiene Products Polymer components High
Modifications Polymer modification High

5.5. Textiles and Paper

Application Function Suitability
Textile Processing Co-monomer High
Paper Coatings Co-monomer High

5.6. Printing and Imaging

Application Function Suitability
Printing Inks Co-monomer High
Photosensitive Materials Photosensitive material High

5.7. Oil and Gas

Application Function Suitability
Oil Additives Additives for petroleum production and transport High

SECTION 6: INDUSTRY SUITABILITY MATRIX

Industry Suitability Explanation
Coatings High Automotive, architectural, industrial, paper coatings
Adhesives High Sealants, structural adhesives
Medical / Biotechnology High Contact lenses, biocompatible polymers
Plastics High Modification, hygiene products
Textiles High Textile processing
Printing High Printing inks, photosensitive materials
Oil & Gas High Production and transport additives
Cosmetics Not suitable Not used in cosmetics
Food Not suitable Not used as food additive

SECTION 7: OTHER NAMES AND IDENTIFIERS

Type Name / Description
IUPAC Name 2-Hydroxyethyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate
Commercial Names 2-HEMA, HEMA, Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate, Blemmer HE, Light Ester HO
Synonyms Ethylene glycol monomethacrylate, 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate, Methacrylic acid 2-hydroxyethyl ester
CAS Number 868-77-9
EC Number 212-782-2
HS Code 29161400

SECTION 8: TOXICOLOGY AND HEALTH EFFECTS

Parameter Value / Description
GHS Classification Warning
Signal Word Warning
Hazard Statements H315 (Causes skin irritation), H317 (May cause allergic skin reaction), H318 (Causes serious eye damage), H319 (Causes serious eye irritation), H335 (May cause respiratory irritation)
Precautionary Statements P261 (Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray), P280 (Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection), P302+P352 (IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water), P305+P351+P338 (IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water)
Oral LD50 (Rat) ~5,000-10,000 mg/kg
Dermal LD50 (Rabbit) > 2,000 mg/kg
Skin Irritation Irritant
Eye Irritation Serious eye damage (H318)
Skin Sensitization Positive (allergic contact dermatitis)
Mutagenicity Negative
Carcinogenicity Not classified
Target Organs Skin, eyes, respiratory system

SECTION 9: SAFETY AND STORAGE

Parameter Information
Storage Conditions Cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Temperature 15–25°C (store under inert atmosphere)
Container Tightly closed, dark, stainless steel or HDPE containers
Special Requirements Must contain inhibitor (MEHQ); avoid extreme temperatures
Sunlight Protection Protect from direct sunlight
Moisture Sensitivity Protect from moisture
Shelf Life 12 months (under recommended conditions)
Packaging 200 kg drum, 1000 kg IBC

SECTION 10: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Parameter Information
UN Number Not regulated (not classified as dangerous goods)
Hazard Class Not applicable
Packing Group Not applicable
Proper Shipping Name 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate
ADR/RID Not regulated
IMDG Code Not regulated
IATA (Air) Not regulated
Marine Pollutant No

SECTION 11: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Parameter Information
Fire Hazard Combustible liquid (flash point ~96°C)
Extinguishing Media Water fog, foam, CO₂, dry chemical
Special Hazards When heated, releases CO, CO₂, and irritant vapors
Decomposition Products CO, CO₂, methacrylate vapors
Protective Equipment Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing
Explosion Risk Vapor/air mixtures may be explosive at high temperatures

SECTION 12: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE AND CLEANUP

Parameter Information
Personal Protection Gloves, safety goggles, face shield, protective clothing
Ventilation Increase ventilation; evacuate area
Cleanup Methods Absorb with inert absorbent material; collect in sealed containers
Environmental Precautions Prevent entry into drains and water bodies
Waste Disposal According to local regulations; incineration (hazardous waste)

SECTION 13: FIRST AID MEASURES

Exposure Route Action
Inhalation Move to fresh air. Administer oxygen if breathing difficulty. Seek medical attention.
Skin Contact Remove contaminated clothing. Wash with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
Eye Contact Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion Do NOT induce vomiting. Drink plenty of water. Seek immediate medical attention.

SECTION 14: REGULATORY INFORMATION

Region / Authority Status
EU REACH Registered
Turkey KKDİK Registration required
USA TSCA Listed
USA FDA Approved for food contact (21 CFR 177.1010)
EINECS 212-782-2
WGK (Germany) 1 (slight hazard to water)
RoHS Compliant
California Prop 65 Not listed

SECTION 15: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

Product Summary

Parameter Value
Product 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (2-HEMA)
CAS 868-77-9
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid
Density ~1.073 g/mL
Boiling Point ~211°C
Flash Point ~96°C
Key Industries Coatings, adhesives, contact lenses, biomedical

CRITICAL WARNINGS

  1. Functional Monomer: 2-HEMA is a functional monomer containing both methacrylate and hydroxyl groups. This dual functionality enables polymerization and further functionalization.

  2. Hydroxyl Reactivity: The hydroxyl group enables further chemical reactions such as esterification, etherification, and isocyanate reactions. This enables crosslinking and polymer modification.

  3. Contact Lenses: 2-HEMA is one of the most widely used monomers in contact lens production due to its hydrophilic and biocompatible properties.

  4. Versatile Copolymerization: Copolymerizes with (meth)acrylic acid and salts, amides, esters, acrylonitrile, maleic esters, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, styrene, butadiene.

  5. Polymerization Risk: Readily polymerizes; always contains inhibitor (MEHQ). Keep away from heat and light.

  6. Skin Sensitizer: 2-HEMA may cause allergic skin reactions (H317). Appropriate PPE required. Known contact allergen.

  7. Eye Damage: Causes serious eye damage (H318). Eye protection is mandatory.

  8. Storage: Store in cool, dark, well-ventilated areas under inert atmosphere. Shelf life is 12 months.

  9. Versatile Applications: Used in coatings, adhesives, contact lenses, biomedical materials, textiles, paper, printing inks, and oil additives.

  10. Regulatory Status: Registered under REACH. FDA-approved for food contact (21 CFR 177.1010).

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the product's suitability for their specific application and for complying with all applicable local, national, and international regulations. 2-HEMA readily polymerizes, is a known skin sensitizer, and causes serious eye damage! For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with 2-HEMA.

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