2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate (2-HEA) is a key functional monomer used in the polymerization of polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticizers, UV-curable acrylic resins, and pressure-sensitive adhesives. Its hydroxyl group provides reactive sites for crosslinking and grafting, making it an essential building block for high-performance water reducers and specialty acrylics.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Definly Chemicals supplies industrial-grade 2-HEA (≥97%) directly from our Shandong factory to PCE manufacturers, coatings producers, and acrylate polymer compounders across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Quick Facts
| Chemical Name | 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate |
| Synonyms | HEA, 2-HEA, Ethylene Glycol Monoacrylate |
| CAS Number | 818-61-1 |
| EINECS | 212-454-9 |
| Molecular Formula | C₅H₈O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 116.12 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Purity | ≥97.0% |
| Inhibitor | MEHQ, 200±50 ppm |
| Packaging | 200 kg HDPE drum / ISO tank (16–20 MT) |
| MOQ | 1 MT sample / 5 MT bulk |
| Lead Time | 10–15 days |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Assay (2-HEA) | ≥97.0% |
| Color (APHA) | ≤30 |
| Water Content | ≤0.3% |
| Acidity (as Acrylic Acid) | ≤0.5% |
| Diacrylate (Diester) | ≤1.0% |
| MEHQ Inhibitor | 200±50 ppm |
| Storage Temperature | 5–25°C, away from heat / sunlight |
Applications
- PCE superplasticizer synthesis — serves as the hydroxyl-functional monomer in radical polymerization of polycarboxylate ether water reducers, providing crosslink sites and adsorption groups for cement particle dispersion.
- UV-curable coatings & inks — reactive diluent in acrylic resin formulations for low-VOC industrial coatings.
- Pressure-sensitive adhesives — copolymer with butyl acrylate and acrylic acid for water-based PSA emulsions.
- Functional acrylic resins — hydroxyl-functional polymers for two-component polyurethane coatings.
- Specialty hydrogels and superabsorbents — comonomer in biomedical and water-absorbent polymer formulations.
Why Choose Definly Chemicals for 2-HEA
- Polymerization-grade purity — tight control on diacrylate and acidity for consistent PCE synthesis batch yields.
- Inhibitor accuracy — MEHQ tested per shipment to prevent in-transit polymerization or inhibitor exhaustion.
- ISO tank logistics — bulk shipment to PCE plants worldwide; drum and IBC options for smaller compounders.
- One-stop PCE raw material supply — pair 2-HEA with our acrylic acid, PCE macromonomer (TPEG/HPEG/EPEG), and 3-MPA chain transfer agent in a single shipment.
- Technical support — recipe and dosing guidance for PCE manufacturers integrating 2-HEA into specialty water-reducer formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role does 2-HEA play in PCE superplasticizer synthesis?
2-HEA functions as the hydroxyl-bearing functional monomer in PCE polymerization. Its −OH group enables grafting of additional functional groups, controls the cement-particle adsorption density of the finished PCE, and contributes to slump-retention performance. Typical loading is 1–3% of total monomer mass in PCE recipes.
Why is the inhibitor (MEHQ) level important?
MEHQ (mono-methyl ether of hydroquinone) prevents premature radical polymerization during storage and transport. If inhibitor levels are too low, 2-HEA can self-polymerize, generating exothermic heat and forming an unusable gel. Definly tests MEHQ per shipment and recommends storing 2-HEA below 25°C.
What is the typical shelf life?
Six months from production date when stored in original sealed drums or ISO tanks at 5–25°C, away from direct sunlight, ignition sources, and oxygen-depleted atmospheres. Inhibitor effectiveness depends on dissolved oxygen, so Definly does not recommend long-term storage under nitrogen blanket without consulting our technical team.
Is your 2-HEA REACH compliant?
Yes. 2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate (CAS 818-61-1) is listed under EINECS 212-454-9. Definly provides full SDS compliant with EU Regulation 1907/2006 and CLP labeling under 1272/2008. We do not currently hold a direct REACH registration; orders are typically shipped via REACH-registered EU importers.
What is your MOQ and packaging?
Minimum 1 MT for sample orders (200 kg HDPE drums) and 5 MT for bulk orders. ISO tank (16–20 MT) shipping is available for established PCE manufacturers. We also offer 1000 kg IBC packaging on request.
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- PCE Macromonomer (TPEG / HPEG / EPEG)
- Acrylic Acid (AA)
- 3-Mercaptopropionic Acid (3-MPA)
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