Hexadecyl Methacrylate (HMA), identified by its CAS number 2495-27-4, is a significant organic chemical that serves as a crucial building block in the synthesis of advanced polymers. Understanding its chemical and physical properties, along with its manufacturing insights, is essential for researchers, formulators, and procurement professionals in the chemical industry. This article provides a detailed overview of HMA's characteristics and its production landscape.

Chemically, Hexadecyl Methacrylate is an ester of methacrylic acid, with the molecular formula C20H38O2 and a molecular weight of approximately 310.51 g/mol. The defining feature of HMA is its long, saturated C16 alkyl chain, which imparts significant lipophilicity and influences the properties of polymers derived from it. This long hydrophobic tail is responsible for many of its unique application benefits, such as enhancing water repellency and flexibility.

The key physical properties of Hexadecyl Methacrylate include:

  • Appearance: Typically a colorless to pale yellow liquid.
  • Purity: Industrial grades often have a purity of ≥96%.
  • Boiling Point: Approximately 390.66 °C (estimated) at atmospheric pressure.
  • Melting Point: Around 15 °C.
  • Density: Approximately 0.9849 g/cm³.
  • Solubility: Slightly soluble in organic solvents like chloroform and methanol, and generally insoluble in water.
  • Stabilization: Often stabilized with inhibitors like MEHQ (methyl ether of hydroquinone) to prevent spontaneous polymerization during storage and handling.

Manufacturing Insights:

The synthesis of Hexadecyl Methacrylate typically involves the esterification reaction between 1-Hexadecanol (cetyl alcohol) and methacrylic acid or its derivatives, such as methyl methacrylate. This process requires careful control of reaction conditions to ensure high yields and purity. Key steps often include:

  1. Raw Material Sourcing: Securing high-quality 1-Hexadecanol and methacrylic acid or its esters is the first critical step.
  2. Esterification Reaction: Conducting the reaction under optimized temperature and pressure, often with acid catalysis, to form the methacrylate ester.
  3. Purification: Distillation and other separation techniques are employed to remove unreacted starting materials, by-products, and achieve the desired purity level.
  4. Stabilization: Adding appropriate inhibitors to ensure shelf life and prevent polymerization before intended use.

Manufacturers often specialize in producing monomers like HMA for specific industries. When industrial buyers are looking to purchase Hexadecyl Methacrylate, understanding these manufacturing processes helps in evaluating supplier capabilities. Factors such as the supplier's quality control procedures, batch-to-batch consistency, and ability to provide detailed product specifications are crucial.

The inherent properties of HMA make it a valuable intermediate for creating polymers used in diverse applications, including lubricant additives, coatings, adhesives, textiles, and specialty plastics. For buyers, ensuring the Hexadecyl Methacrylate meets stringent purity requirements (e.g., ≥96%) and is handled and stored correctly (e.g., in cool, ventilated conditions, protected from light and heat) is vital for optimal performance in their end products. Engaging with experienced manufacturers and suppliers, particularly from regions with strong chemical production infrastructure like China, can lead to cost-effective sourcing and reliable supply chains.

In summary, Hexadecyl Methacrylate's unique combination of a long hydrophobic chain and a reactive methacrylate group underpins its utility in numerous industrial applications. A thorough understanding of its properties and manufacturing process empowers industrial buyers to make informed decisions, ensuring they obtain a high-quality product that meets their performance objectives.