For professionals in the chemical and materials science industries, a deep understanding of product specifications is fundamental to successful procurement and application. Photoinitiator ITX, a vital component in UV curing systems, is no exception. Its CAS number, 5495-84-1, uniquely identifies this compound, but a comprehensive grasp of its technical specifications is essential for R&D scientists, formulators, and procurement managers seeking reliable performance.

Chemical Identity and Purity:

The primary chemical name for this photoinitiator is 2-Isopropylthioxanthone. When sourcing, purity is a paramount consideration. Reputable manufacturers typically offer Photoinitiator ITX with a purity of ≥99.0%. This high level of purity is crucial because impurities can negatively affect the photoinitiation efficiency, lead to unwanted side reactions, or impact the color and stability of the final product. Always request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) that validates the purity and other key parameters.

Physical Characteristics:

  • Appearance: Photoinitiator ITX is typically described as a white or light yellow powder. The consistency of its color and form is an important visual indicator of quality.
  • Melting Point Range: The melting point range is a critical physical property. For ITX, this is commonly specified as 56 – 72°C. A tight and accurate melting point range indicates a well-defined and pure compound.
  • Loss on Drying: This parameter indicates the amount of moisture or volatile content. A low Loss on Drying (≤0.5%) is desirable to ensure product stability and accurate dosing.
  • Gardner Colour: The Gardner colour scale is often used to quantify the color intensity of liquids or solids. A low Gardner colour value (e.g., ≤9) suggests minimal coloration, which is important for applications where color is a critical attribute.

Performance-Related Specifications:

  • Molecular Formula: C16H14OS
  • Molecular Weight: 254.35 g/mol
  • Absorption Spectrum: As a Type II photoinitiator, ITX exhibits significant UV absorption. It has two major absorption bands: one around 258 nm for surface cure and another around 383 nm for depth cure, which is vital for pigmented or thick systems.
  • Solubility: Excellent solubility in most common organic solvents and UV curable monomers is a key advantage, facilitating its incorporation into various resin formulations.

Supplier Considerations for Procurement:

When purchasing Photoinitiator ITX, industrial buyers should look for suppliers who provide detailed technical documentation, including Product Specification Sheets and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The availability of samples for testing prior to bulk purchase is also highly recommended. Furthermore, understanding the packaging (e.g., 20kg cartons) and storage requirements (cool, dry place out of direct sunlight) ensures product integrity from the point of purchase to its use in manufacturing.

By meticulously reviewing these technical specifications, procurement professionals can make informed decisions, ensuring they acquire Photoinitiator ITX that meets the stringent demands of their UV curing applications and contributes to the development of high-quality end products.