Copolymerizable Benzophenone Photoinitiator Monomer｜CAS 1137971-16-4, Solving the Core Challenge of Low Migration in UV Curing

UV curing technology is widely used in packaging printing, electronic manufacturing, optical coatings, 3D printing and other fields due to its advantages of fast curing speed, low VOC and high energy efficiency. However, conventional small-molecule photoinitiators generally suffer from drawbacks such as migration, blooming, strong odor and high extractables. These shortcomings greatly limit their application potential in high-safety scenarios including food contact materials, high-end electronic photosensitive coatings and medical substrates. To address these industry pain points, CAS 1137971-16-4, 2-(2-(4-benzoylphenoxy)ethoxy)ethyl acrylate, a copolymerizable benzophenone photoinitiator monomer, delivers a high-performance solution for low-migration UV systems.

Product Structure & Mechanism

The molecular structure of this monomer integrates two functional moieties: acrylate polymerizable double bond and benzophenone photosensitive group. Under UV irradiation, the side-chain benzophenone moiety undergoes hydrogen abstraction to generate free radicals and initiate polymerization and crosslinking of the system. Meanwhile, the terminal acrylic double bond participates in free-radical polymerization of the resin network and is permanently bonded into the polymer skeleton of the cured film via covalent bonds.

Unlike ordinary small-molecule photoinitiators which are merely dispersed in the resin matrix, this product will not dissociate and bloom after curing. It inhibits migration and volatilization at the molecular level and significantly reduces odor and extractables of the cured film. The flexible diether segment introduced in the molecular chain effectively improves compatibility with various acrylic resins, reactive diluents and oligomers. Problems such as blooming, whitening and delamination are less likely to occur, offering greater formulation latitude.

Key Product Features

1. Low migration and low extractables: The photosensitive group is covalently anchored in the cured network, avoiding contamination caused by migration of small-molecule initiators and complying with safety regulations for food contact, electronics and medical applications.

2. Dual function as monomer and photoinitiator: It acts both as crosslinking monomer and photoinitiator, simplifying formulation components, reducing additive types and lowering formulation development difficulty.

3. Excellent system compatibility: Flexible ether chain structure ensures good miscibility with mainstream UV resins such as polyurethane acrylate, epoxy acrylate and polyester acrylate.

4. Well-preserved physical properties of cured film: Within proper loading, it has minor adverse impacts on coating transmittance, scratch resistance, chemical resistance and aging resistance. The formed film is uniform and stable.

5. Free-radical hydrogen-abstraction mechanism: It works synergistically with tertiary amine co-initiators to boost surface curing efficiency and improve surface dryness.

Basic Physicochemical Information

CAS No.: 1137971-16-4

Chinese Name: 2-(2-(4 - 苯甲酰基苯氧基) 乙氧基) 乙酯丙烯酸酯

English Name: 2-(2-(4-benzoylphenoxy) ethoxy) ethyl acrylate

Molecular Formula: C₂₀H₂₀O₅

Molecular Weight: 340.38

Category: Copolymerizable photoinitiator monomer / Reactive benzophenone derivative

Recommended Application Areas

✅ Food-contact grade UV inks, water-based / solvent-based overprint varnishes, flexible packaging laminating adhesives

✅ Photosensitive coatings for electronics, PCB solder mask auxiliary materials, hard coats for optical films

✅ High-precision photosensitive resins, industrial 3D printing materials

✅ UV coatings for medical substrates, surface curing coatings for cosmetic packaging

✅ Other free-radical UV curing systems with strict control requirements on migration, odor and extractables

Formulation Guidelines

This product is a hydrogen-abstraction reactive photoinitiator monomer with limited initiation efficiency when used alone. It is recommended to incorporate tertiary amine co-initiators in formulations (e.g., acrylated amine co-initiators; copolymerizable amines are preferred to further mitigate migration risk).

The dosage can be adjusted according to film thickness, UV light intensity and curing line speed. The recommended loading range is typically 3%~10%. Lab trials are required to evaluate curing rate, yellowing tendency, migration and overall film performance for each specific system.

Storage & Safety Notes

Store in a sealed and light-proof container away from heat sources and oxidants. Keep in cool and dry conditions. Avoid prolonged light exposure which may cause premature polymerization of the monomer. Wear protective gloves and goggles during handling to prevent direct contact with skin and eyes. Refer to the product MSDS for full safety information.

Conclusion

The advancement of high-end photocurable materials hinges on resolving the fundamental challenge of migration from small-molecule additives. 2-(2-(4-Benzoylphenoxy)ethoxy)ethyl acrylate (CAS 1137971-16-4) features a polymerizable benzophenone molecular design, delivering excellent photoinitiation efficiency alongside ultra-low migration performance. It helps manufacturers of UV inks, coatings and optical materials break through compliance barriers and develop higher-grade photocurable products. You are welcome to request samples and technical documents, discuss long-term strategic cooperation, and jointly advance the technological iteration of low-migration UV materials.