Hydroxyethyl acrylate

Hydroxyethyl acrylate is the organic compound with the formula. It is a colorless viscous liquid. The compound has dual functionality: a polymerizable acrylic and a hydroxy group. It is a monomer used to make emulsion polymers along with other monomers and the resultant resins are used in coatings, sealants, adhesives and elastomers and other applications.

Synthesis

A number of patents and synthesis papers describe its preparation. A traditional manufacturing process calls for the reaction of ethylene oxide with acrylic acid in the presence of a metal catalyst.

Properties

The material is a water-white liquid with a mild but pungent ester like odor. It has a low freezing point.

Applications

The most common use for the material is to be copolymerized with other acrylate and methacrylate monomers to make emulsion and other polymers including hydrogels. Modification of rubbers and similar compounds is also a use for the material. The resultant polymers may be used to manufacture pressure-sensitive adhesives.

Toxicity

The toxicity of the material has been studied and is fairly well understood.