The field of polymer science constantly seeks novel monomers to create materials with enhanced or entirely new properties. Acrylate monomers, in particular, are foundational to a vast array of polymers used in everyday products and high-tech applications. Among these, specialty monomers like 2-Isocyanatoethyl Acrylate (CAS 13641-96-8) offer unique advantages for chemists and material scientists aiming to push the boundaries of material performance.

The Significance of Bifunctional Monomers

2-Isocyanatoethyl Acrylate stands out due to its bifunctional nature. It combines the polymerizable double bond of an acrylate ester with the highly reactive isocyanate group. This combination means that as a polymer chain grows through acrylate polymerization, the isocyanate side groups remain available for subsequent reactions. This allows for post-polymerization modification, cross-linking, or the grafting of other molecules, providing a powerful handle for tailoring polymer architecture and properties.

Properties and Handling for Polymerization

As a colorless to pale yellow liquid, 2-Isocyanatoethyl Acrylate (C6H7NO3) has a boiling point around 80-95°C under reduced pressure, and a melting point of -25°C. Its refractive index and specific gravity are also important parameters for process control during polymerization. The isocyanate group is sensitive to moisture and can react with alcohols and amines. Therefore, proper storage, typically under inert atmosphere and at cool temperatures (2-8°C), is essential. Stabilizers like BHT are often added to prevent premature polymerization of the acrylate moiety. For those looking to buy this monomer, understanding these handling precautions is key to successful integration into polymerization recipes.

Applications in Advanced Polymers

The unique structure of 2-Isocyanatoethyl Acrylate enables its use in several advanced polymer applications:

  • Functional Coatings: Polymers derived from this monomer can create coatings with enhanced adhesion, scratch resistance, and the ability to react with other surfaces or components. This is particularly useful in industrial coatings and automotive finishes.
  • Specialty Adhesives: The isocyanate functionality can be leveraged to create high-performance adhesives that cure through urethane linkages, offering strong bonding and durability.
  • Cross-linked Networks: By reacting the isocyanate groups, highly cross-linked polymer networks can be formed, leading to materials with improved thermal stability, solvent resistance, and mechanical strength.
  • Biomaterials: In biomedical research, the ability to attach specific biomolecules or create responsive polymer structures using the isocyanate group makes this monomer a valuable tool.

Sourcing High-Quality Monomers

Procuring specialty monomers like 2-Isocyanatoethyl Acrylate requires partnering with a reliable manufacturer and supplier. Ensuring the monomer's purity and stability is critical for reproducible polymerization results. We, as a leading chemical supplier, offer 2-Isocyanatoethyl Acrylate with guaranteed purity, meeting the stringent demands of polymer chemists. Our commitment as a manufacturer means we can provide consistent supply and competitive pricing, essential for scale-up and commercial production. Contact us to learn more about purchasing this versatile acrylate monomer for your polymer development needs.