2-Isocyanatoethyl Methacrylate, known in chemistry circles as 2-IEMA, opens up a set of possibilities in industrial chemistry. Its molecular formula is C7H9NO3, and looking at its structure, you notice a methacrylate group linked to an isocyanate-functional ethyl chain. Those two groups, working together in one molecule, offer choices for crosslinking in polymers or enhancing reactivity in coatings. In the physical world, this compound appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid, sometimes acquiring a tinge if stored incorrectly. It’s worth noting how the isocyanate and methacrylate moieties both contribute to reactivity, giving formulators a chance to push boundaries in product design.
As a liquid at room temperature, 2-Isocyanatoethyl Methacrylate has a density in the range of 1.1 to 1.18 g/cm3. It doesn’t crystallize under normal storage, resisting the temptation to turn flaky or solid. Water, humidity, or basic solutions grab at the isocyanate group, leading to quick reactions and releasing CO2 or related byproducts. This explains why dry, well-sealed containers remain the best option for handling it. Its boiling point lands above 200°C, so it holds up well in most process settings, though direct heat or light over extended periods starts to reduce its shelf life. The compound emits pungent fumes, which any experienced handler recognizes as a signal to step back and double-check ventilation.
The backbone hinges on a vinyl double bond, courtesy of the methacrylic acid component, paired with the highly reactive isocyanate group at the other end. In practical terms, chemists appreciate this mix: the double bond enables free radical polymerization, while the isocyanate brings in toughness through urethane formation. Its CAS number, 30674-80-7, doesn’t mean much outside compliance circles, but the HS Code 2929.10 ties it directly to isocyanates for shipping and customs. Handling regulatory documentation sometimes slows a project down, yet the track record on safety data sheets proves crucial for any manufacturer aiming for responsible sourcing.
2-Isocyanatoethyl Methacrylate sells almost exclusively as a liquid, bottled up in standard drums or glass containers. You won’t find it as flakes, solid, powder, pearls, or crystals in the marketplace, though laboratory synthesis might briefly produce a solid intermediate. Companies blending surface coatings, adhesives, or elastomers value it for raw material properties: the isocyanate group forms strong bonds with amines or alcohols, and the methacrylate’s double bond enables quick chain propagation and efficient cure under UV or peroxide conditions. In my own experience, teams working with flooring or industrial coatings like the ability to fine-tune crosslinking density without dragging in extra plasticizers.
Density sits at just over one gram per cubic centimeter, which offers a nice balance for mixing in resin systems where density mismatches create consumer complaints such as settling or separation. 2-IEMA dissolves in most common organic solvents including acetone, tetrahydrofuran, and toluene, dodging the precipitation headaches that can hit with less-friendly specialty monomers. On the downside, the molecule reacts aggressively with water, and even atmospheric moisture starts to eat into isocyanate content, so keeping bottles tightly closed and using dry nitrogen blanketing isn’t a meaningless suggestion. Any operator working with isocyanates learns to spot container swelling or a whiff of sharp odor — both warnings to check seals and storage logs.
Safety concerns stack up quickly. Isocyanates can be harmful, and 2-IEMA is no exception. Direct contact leads to skin and eye irritation, sometimes escalating to allergic reactions after repeated exposure. Inhalation of vapors or mist irritates airways, and regular contact without proper gloves and goggles raises real medical risks. Maintaining air exchange and suction at work benches helps a lot, but it also depends on a disciplined daily routine. Chemical spill kits and emergency showers have to stay within arm’s reach, because response time makes the difference between a minor incident and long-term consequences. Regulatory bodies like OSHA and REACH mark this chemical as hazardous, which pushes companies to enforce training and personal protective equipment use. Strong policies on waste handling and spill cleanup keep workspaces both compliant and safe, with no shortcuts for the sake of convenience.
In the world of raw materials, 2-Isocyanatoethyl Methacrylate stands out for specialty resin synthesis and niche adhesives. High reactivity boosts its demand in coatings that need UV cure or thermal acceleration, and the ability to introduce urethane linkages raises resistance to abrasion and chemicals. End-users in automotive or electronics manufacturing watch the trends closely: innovations in coatings and potting compounds owe a lot to tweaks in this sort of intermediate. Downstream, the use of 2-IEMA increases the portfolio of customizable materials, from scratch-resistant varnishes to flexible binders in composite applications. R&D professionals cite repeatable results as a measure of success, often choosing this chemical for its consistent performance across multiple product lines.
Specifications for 2-Isocyanatoethyl Methacrylate usually include minimum purity above 98%, maximum color index, and tightly watched moisture limits. Extra efforts in quality control prevent runaway reactions in downstream mixes due to trace water or contamination. Documentation—certificate of analysis and safety data sheets—provides not only proof of compliance but real-world confidence in each lot shipped. Some suppliers even invest in drum-level batch tracking, giving manufacturers a way to trace and isolate issues faster than before. From a procurement and operations standpoint, accurate product description isn’t just paperwork: it enables engineers and formulators to design with confidence, knowing the raw material won’t throw off balances or endanger workers.
