HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is a low-molecular-weight, multifunctional acrylic monomer containing both a polymerizable acrylate double bond and a reactive hydroxyl group within the same molecule.
This dual functionality gives Hydroxyethyl acrylate high reactivity in free-radical, UV-curing, and emulsion polymerization systems, while also enabling secondary reactions such as crosslinking with isocyanates, epoxies, and melamine resins.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is widely used in coatings, adhesives, sealants, inks, and specialty polymers, where it improves adhesion to polar substrates, flexibility, hydrophilicity, and overall formulation performance.
CAS Number: 818-61-1
EC Number: 212-454-9
Chemical Formula: C5H8O3
Molar Mass: 116.116 g·mol−1
Synonyms: Acrylic acid 2-hydroxyethyl ester, Acrylic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester, Acrylic acid hydroxyethyl ester, 2-Propenoic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester, 2-propenoic acid 2-hydroxyethyl ester, 2-Hydroxyethyl prop-2-enoate, 2-Hydroxyethyl-2-propenoate, 2-(Acryloyloxy)ethanol, Ethylene glycol monoacrylate, Ethylene glycol acrylate, Ethylene glycol, monoacrylate, Ethandiol-1,2-monoacrylate, 2-HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE [HSDB], CCRIS 3431, HSDB 1123, UNII-25GT92NY0C, BRN 0969853, MFCD00081878, DTXSID2022123, DTXCID202123, CHEMBL1330518, beta-Hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxyethylacrylate, Bisomer 2HEA, HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE [INCI]
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is a low-molecular-weight, multifunctional acrylic monomer that contains both a polymerizable acrylate double bond and a reactive hydroxyl group within the same molecule.
This dual functionality gives Hydroxyethyl acrylate high reactivity in free-radical, UV-curing, and emulsion polymerization systems, while also enabling secondary reactions such as crosslinking with isocyanates, epoxies, and melamine resins.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is widely used in coatings, adhesives, sealants, inks, and specialty polymers, where it improves adhesion to polar substrates, flexibility, hydrophilicity, and formulation versatility.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate's good miscibility with water and many organic solvents makes it especially suitable for high-performance water-based and solvent-based industrial applications.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate forms homopolymers and copolymers.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is used mainly either as a co-monomer in the manufacture of polymers or as a chemical reactant in the manufacture of chemical intermediates.
In the manufacture of polymers, Hydroxyethyl acrylate can be co-polymerized with acrylic acid, acrylates, methacrylates, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, styrene, butadiene, and the like.
Co-reactants with Hydroxyethyl acrylate include aromatic and aliphatic isocyanates, anhydrides, and epoxides.
The polymers and chemical intermediates made with Hydroxyethyl acrylate find applications in automotive top coatings, architectural coatings, photocure resins, and adhesives.
Globally about half of the Hydroxyethyl acrylate produced is used in the production of acrylic enamels for the automotive industry, where a clear topcoat is applied to a pigmented base coat to increase corrosion protection and durability.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is a bifunctional monomer that contains both hydroxyl and acrylate functional groups, making it highly reactive in various polymerization processes.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate appears as a clear, colorless liquid with a distinct acrylic odor and has a relatively low viscosity, allowing for easy incorporation into different formulations.
Due to its hydroxyl functionality, Hydroxyethyl acrylate is widely used in applications requiring strong adhesion, flexibility, and enhanced chemical resistance.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate serves as a crucial component in the formulation of coatings, adhesives, sealants, resins, and specialty polymers.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is a highly versatile acrylic monomer characterized by the presence of both a reactive acrylate double bond and a polar hydroxyl functional group within the same molecule.
This unique dual functionality allows Hydroxyethyl acrylate to participate readily in free-radical polymerization reactions while simultaneously providing sites for secondary chemical reactions, such as crosslinking with isocyanates, epoxies, and melamine resins.
As a result, Hydroxyethyl acrylate plays a critical role as a functional building block in advanced polymer design.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is widely used in the formulation of coatings, adhesives, sealants, inks, and specialty polymers, where it enhances adhesion to polar substrates including metals, glass, concrete, and certain plastics.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate's incorporation into polymer backbones improves flexibility, toughness, hydrophilicity, and intercoat adhesion, while also enabling tailored mechanical and chemical properties.
In water-based and solvent-based systems, Hydroxyethyl acrylate exhibits good miscibility and formulation compatibility, supporting uniform film formation and consistent performance.
Due to its relatively low molecular weight and controlled reactivity, Hydroxyethyl acrylate is often employed as a reactive diluent, reducing formulation viscosity without introducing non-reactive components that could compromise final material properties.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is particularly valued in UV-curable and radiation-curable systems for its ability to improve cure speed, wetting behavior, and surface quality.
When properly stabilized and handled, Hydroxyethyl acrylate provides reliable performance and remains an essential monomer in high-performance industrial, construction, and specialty chemical applications.
Market Overview of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
The global market for Hydroxyethyl acrylate is a significant and steadily expanding segment within the broader acrylate monomers industry, driven by demand for high-performance polymer materials.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is widely used in coatings, adhesives, sealants, elastomers, and specialty polymer systems due to its dual functionality, which enhances adhesion, flexibility, and chemical resistance in final products.
Recent market analyses estimate that the global Hydroxyethyl acrylate market is valued in the hundreds of millions of USD today and is expected to continue growing over the next decade.
Some forecasts project growth from values around USD 0.65–1.15 billion by the mid-2020s through sustained demand from coatings and adhesives sectors, with compound annual growth rates (CAGR) in the range of approximately 4–7% depending on the source and time horizon.
Regional dynamics show particularly robust expansion in Asia-Pacific, where rapid industrialization, construction, and manufacturing growth are increasing demand for acrylate-based monomers, including Hydroxyethyl acrylate.
North America and Europe also maintain stable markets supported by innovation in materials for automotive, electronics, and advanced coatings.
Applications of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is widely applied in the formulation of industrial, architectural, and protective coatings, where it improves adhesion to polar substrates, flexibility, hydrophilicity, and intercoat bonding.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is also extensively used in adhesives and sealants to enhance bonding strength and durability on surfaces such as metals, glass, concrete, and plastics.
In addition, Hydroxyethyl acrylate plays an important role in water-based, emulsion, and UV-curable polymer systems, where its dual acrylate and hydroxyl functionality contributes to improved cure performance, formulation compatibility, and tailored mechanical and chemical properties.
Industry Uses:
Intermediates
Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
Other (specify)
Paint additives and coating additives not described by other categories
Monomers
Photosensitive agent
Uses at industrial sites:
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is used in the following products: polymers.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate has an industrial use resulting in manufacture of another substance (use of intermediates).
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is used in the following areas: scientific research and development.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is used for the manufacture of: chemicals and plastic products.
Release to the environment of Hydroxyethyl acrylate can occur from industrial use: for thermoplastic manufacture, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates) and as processing aid.
Consumer Uses:
Other (specify)
Dispersing agent
Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
Binder
Photosensitive agent
Paint additives and coating additives not described by other categories
Monomers
Features of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
Hydroxyethyl acrylate contains both a polymerizable acrylate double bond and a reactive hydroxyl functional group, providing dual functionality in polymer systems.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate exhibits high reactivity in free-radical, UV-curing, and emulsion polymerization processes.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate shows excellent adhesion-promoting properties, particularly to polar substrates such as metals, glass, and concrete.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate offers good miscibility with water and most organic solvents, supporting use in both water-based and solvent-based formulations.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate enables crosslinking and post-functionalization reactions with isocyanates, epoxies, and melamine resins.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate contributes to improved flexibility, hydrophilicity, and intercoat adhesion in finished polymer systems.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate can function as a reactive diluent, reducing formulation viscosity without introducing non-reactive components.
Production of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is produced through the controlled esterification of acrylic acid with ethylene oxide or ethylene glycol–based intermediates under acid-catalyzed conditions.
The manufacturing process is carefully managed to achieve high conversion while preventing premature polymerization of the acrylate double bond through the use of suitable inhibitors and strict temperature control.
After synthesis, Hydroxyethyl acrylate is purified by distillation to remove unreacted materials and by-products, resulting in a high-purity monomer that is stabilized for safe storage, transport, and use in polymer and resin applications.
History of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
Hydroxyethyl acrylate was developed and introduced in the mid-20th century alongside the rapid growth of the acrylic monomers and synthetic polymer industry.
Hydroxyethyl acrylate's emergence was closely linked to advances in petrochemical processing and the industrial availability of acrylic acid and ethylene oxide.
As polymer science evolved, Hydroxyethyl acrylate gained importance due to its dual functionality, combining a polymerizable acrylate group with a reactive hydroxyl group, which distinguished it from simpler acrylate monomers.
Over time, Hydroxyethyl acrylate became widely adopted in coatings, adhesives, and specialty polymers, particularly with the expansion of water-based, UV-curable, and low-VOC formulations, and it remains an essential functional monomer in modern polymer chemistry and materials engineering.
Stability and Reactivity of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
Chemical Stability:
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is chemically stable under normal ambient temperatures and recommended storage conditions when properly stabilized with polymerization inhibitors.
Reactivity:
Hydroxyethyl acrylate is reactive due to its acrylate double bond and hydroxyl group and can undergo free-radical polymerization; it may react vigorously in the presence of initiators, peroxides, or strong oxidizing agents.
Conditions to Avoid:
Avoid heat, direct sunlight, elevated temperatures, contamination with polymerization initiators, strong acids or bases, and prolonged exposure to air without inhibitor control.
Incompatible Materials:
Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents, peroxides, strong acids, strong bases, and free-radical initiators, as these may trigger uncontrolled polymerization or degradation.
Hazardous Decomposition Products:
Thermal decomposition may produce carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and irritating acrylate vapors.
Handling and Storage of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
Safe Handling:
Handle 2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhalation of vapors.
Avoid skin and eye contact and prevent the formation of mists.
Use grounded and bonded equipment during transfer to prevent static discharge.
Hygiene Measures:
Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly after handling.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in areas where Hydroxyethyl acrylate is handled.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Storage Requirements:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Protect from heat, light, and sources of ignition.
Packaging Integrity:
Keep containers sealed when not in use and maintain inhibitor concentration as supplied.
Shelf Stability:
Product remains stable for extended periods when stored under recommended conditions with inhibitor present; loss of inhibitor or exposure to heat may reduce shelf life.
First Aid Measures of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
Inhalation:
Move the exposed person to fresh air immediately.
Keep at rest and monitor breathing.
Seek medical attention if irritation, dizziness, or respiratory discomfort persists.
Skin Contact:
Wash affected skin thoroughly with soap and water.
Remove contaminated clothing.
Seek medical attention if irritation or sensitization develops.
Eye Contact:
Rinse eyes cautiously with clean water for several minutes while holding eyelids open.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Seek immediate medical attention.
Notes for Physician:
Treatment is symptomatic and supportive; acrylates may cause irritation or sensitization.
Firefighting Measures of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
Flammability:
2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate is a combustible liquid.
Suitable Extinguishing Media:
Use alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide (CO₂), or water spray.
Hazardous Combustion Products:
Burning may produce carbon oxides and irritating or toxic vapors.
Special Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective clothing.
Specific Hazards:
Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
Cool exposed containers with water spray.
Accidental Release Measures of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
Personal Precautions:
Evacuate unnecessary personnel.
Avoid breathing vapors and prevent skin and eye contact.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Environmental Precautions:
Prevent release into drains, surface waters, or soil.
Cleanup Methods:
Absorb spilled material with inert absorbents such as sand or vermiculite.
Collect into suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Avoid ignition sources during cleanup.
Additional Advice:
Ventilate area thoroughly after spill removal.
Exposure Controls and Personal Protective Equipment of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
Engineering Controls:
Use local exhaust ventilation or closed systems to control vapor and mist exposure.
Respiratory Protection:
Use an organic vapor respirator when ventilation is insufficient or during high-exposure operations.
Hand Protection:
Wear chemical-resistant gloves such as nitrile or neoprene.
Eye Protection:
Wear safety goggles or face shield to prevent eye contact.
Skin and Body Protection:
Use appropriate protective clothing to prevent prolonged or repeated contact.
Environmental Exposure Controls:
Implement containment and ventilation systems to minimize emissions during processing.
Identifiers of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
Linear Formula: CH2=CHCOOCH2CH2OH
CAS Number: 818-61-1
Molecular Weight: 116.12
Beilstein: 969853
EC Number: 212-454-9
MDL number: MFCD00002865
UNSPSC Code: 12162002
PubChem Substance ID: 24857612
NACRES: NA.23
CAS Number: 818-61-1
ChEMBL: ChEMBL1330518
ChemSpider: 12612
ECHA InfoCard: 100.011.322
EC Number: 212-454-9
PubChem CID: 13165
RTECS number: AT1750000
UNII: 25GT92NY0C
UN number: 2927 1760
CompTox Dashboard (EPA): DTXSID20891159 DTXSID2022123, DTXSID20891159
InChI: InChI=1S/C5H8O3/c1-2-5(7)8-4-3-6/h2,6H,1,3-4H2
Key: OMIGHNLMNHATMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES: C=CC(=O)OCCO
CAS Registry Number: 818-61-1
EC (EINECS) Number: 212-454-9
Molecular formula: C5H8O3
Molecular weight: 116.11 g/mol
Chemical class: Acrylic ester; hydroxyl-functional monomer
Structural formula: CH2=CH–COO–CH2–CH2–OH
InChI: InChI=1S/C5H8O3/c1-2-5(7)8-4-3-6/h2,6H,1,3-4H2
SMILES: C=CC(=O)OCCO
Properties of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
Molecular Weight: 116.11 g/mol
XLogP3: -0.2
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 3
Rotatable Bond Count: 4
Exact Mass: 116.047344113 Da
Monoisotopic Mass: 116.047344113 Da
Topological Polar Surface Area: 46.5 Ų
Heavy Atom Count: 8
Complexity: 87.7
Isotope Atom Count: 0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 1
Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes
Physical state: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid
Chemical class: Acrylic ester monomer
Molecular formula: C5H8O3
Molecular weight: 116.11 g/mol
Odor: Pungent, characteristic acrylate odor
Density (20 °C): ~1.12 g/cm3
Boiling point: ~213–215 °C
Melting point: Below 0 °C
Viscosity (20 °C): Low to moderate
Solubility: Miscible with water; soluble in most polar organic solvents
Volatility: Moderate
Hydrophilicity: High due to hydroxyl group
vapor density: >1 (vs air)
Quality Level: 100
vapor pressure: <0.1 mmHg ( 20 °C)
Assay: 96%
form: solid
contains: 200-650 ppm monomethyl ether hydroquinone as inhibitor
refractive index: n20/D 1.45 (lit.)
bp: 90-92 °C/12 mmHg (lit.)
density: 1.011 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
storage temp.: 2-8°C
SMILES string: OCCOC(=O)C=C
InChI: 1S/C5H8O3/c1-2-5(7)8-4-3-6/h2,6H,1,3-4H2
InChI key: OMIGHNLMNHATMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Specifications of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
Purity: Typically ≥ 98.0 %
Assay (GC): 98.0–99.5 %
Water content: ≤ 0.2 %
Acid value: ≤ 1.0 mg KOH/g
Color (APHA / Hazen): ≤ 50
Inhibitor content: Typically 200–500 ppm (e.g. MEHQ or equivalent, as supplied)
Density (20–25 °C): Approx. 1.07–1.09 g/cm³
Viscosity (25 °C): Approx. 6–10 mPa·s
Boiling point: Approx. 82–85 °C (at reduced pressure)
Freezing point: Below −70 °C
Solubility: Miscible with water and most organic solvents
Appearance: Clear, colorless to slightly yellow liquid
Odor: Mild acrylic odor
Names of Hydroxyethyl Acrylate:
Regulatory process names:
2-(Acryloyloxy)ethanol
2-hydroxyethyl acrylate
2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate
2-hydroxyethyl acrylate
2-Hydroxyethylester kyseliny akrylove
2-Propenoic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester
Acrylic acid 2-hydroxyethyl ester
acrylic acid, monoester with ethyleneglycol
Bisomer 2HEA
Ethylene glycol, acrylate
Ethylene glycol, monoacrylate
HEA
Hydroxyethyl acrylate
Translated names:
(2-hydroxyetyl)-akrylát (sk)
2-hidroksietil akrilat (sl)
2-hidroksietil-akrilat (hr)
2-hidroksietilakrilatas (lt)
2-hidroksietilakrilāts (lv)
2-hidroxietil acrilat (ro)
2-hidroxietil-akrilát (hu)
2-hydroksietyyliakrylaatti (fi)
2-hydroksyetylakrylat (no)
2-hydroxietylakrylat (sv)
2-hydroxyethyl-akrylát (cs)
2-hydroxyethylacrylaat (nl)
2-hydroxyethylacrylat (da)
2-Hydroxyethylacrylat (de)
2-hüdroksüetüülakrülaat (et)
2-хидроксиетил акрилат (bg)
acrilato de 2-hidroxietilo (es)
acrilato de 2-hidroxietilo (pt)
acrilato di 2-idrossietile (it)
acrylate de 2-hydroxyéthyle (fr)
akrylan 2-hydroksyetylu ester 2-hydroksyetylowy kwasu akrylowego (pl)
ακρυλικό 2-υδροξυαιθύλιο (el)
IUPAC names:
2-HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE
2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate
2-hydroxyethyl acrylate
2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate
2-hydroxyethyl acrylate
2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate (stabilized with MEHQ)
2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate2-HEA
2-Hydroxyethyl ester propenoic acid
2-hydroxyethyl prop-2-enoate
2-hydroxyethylprop-2-enoate
2-Propenoic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester
2-propenoic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester
2HEA
HEA
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate
Hydroxyethyl acrylate
Trade names:
2-(Acryloyloxy)ethanol
2-HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE
2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate
2-Propenoic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester (9CI)
Acrylic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester (6CI, 8CI)
Bisomer 2HEA
Ethylene glycol monoacrylate
HEA
Light Ester HOA
Rocryl 420
ROCRYL(TM) 420 (HEA) Monomer
ROCRYL(TM) 420 (HEA) Monomer LA
urethane acrylate blend
Viscoat 220
β-Hydroxyethyl acrylate
Other identifiers:
139642-59-4
1637456-67-7
607-072-00-8
77210-89-0
818-61-1
