Product Name
Hexadecyl methacrylate
Product Number
CS-0698155
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
IUPAC Name
hexadecyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate
InChI Key
ZNAOFAIBVOMLPV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
SMILES
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCOC(=O)C(=C)C
Product Introduction
Hexadecyl Methacrylate (CAS 2495-27-4) is a long-chain methacrylate monomer consisting of a polymerizable methacrylate group and a hydrophobic C16 alkyl chain.
Its combination of a reactive methacrylate double bond and long hydrophobic alkyl segment makes it useful for preparing polymers with controlled surface energy, water resistance, flexibility, hydrophobicity, and compatibility with nonpolar materials.
Hexadecyl Methacrylate is also known as Cetyl Methacrylate. Commercial suppliers offer stabilized grades, commonly using inhibitors such as hydroquinone or MEHQ to minimize unwanted polymerization during storage.
Polymerization Principle
Hexadecyl Methacrylate contains a carbon-carbon double bond capable of undergoing free-radical polymerization.
Free-Radical Polymerization
Under suitable initiation conditions:
n CH₂=C(CH₃)COO(CH₂)₁₅CH₃ → –CH₂–C(CH₃)(COO(CH₂)₁₅CH₃)–ₙ
The methacrylate double bond participates in polymerization, while the long C16 alkyl chain remains attached to the polymer backbone.
This structure can impart:
- Hydrophobicity
- Flexible side chains
- Low surface energy
- Water resistance
- Tunable glass-transition behavior
- Compatibility with other alkyl methacrylates
Key Research Applications
1. Polymer and Copolymer Synthesis
Hexadecyl Methacrylate is primarily used as a monomer for polymer synthesis.
Applications include:
- Homopolymer synthesis
- Copolymer synthesis
- Functional polymer development
- Hydrophobic polymer materials
- Specialty methacrylate polymers
It can be copolymerized with other acrylic or methacrylic monomers to tune polymer properties.
2. Hydrophobic Materials
The long C16 alkyl chain provides strong hydrophobic character.
Applications include:
- Water-repellent polymers
- Hydrophobic coatings
- Surface modification
- Low-surface-energy materials
- Water-resistant polymer systems
3. Coatings
Hexadecyl Methacrylate can be incorporated into coating formulations to modify surface and environmental resistance.
Applications include:
- Protective coatings
- Functional coatings
- Hydrophobic coatings
- Industrial coatings
- Surface-engineered polymer films
BASF lists C16/C18 long-chain methacrylate products among applications including coatings, adhesives, plastics/rubber, construction, lubricants, and related polymer applications.
4. Adhesives and Sealants
Long-chain methacrylate monomers can be incorporated into adhesive and sealant formulations to adjust flexibility, hydrophobicity, and compatibility.
Applications include:
- Pressure-sensitive adhesives
- Specialty adhesives
- Sealants
- Polymer modifiers
- Flexible polymer systems
5. Lubricant and Oilfield Materials
Long-chain alkyl methacrylates are used in polymeric materials for lubricant and oilfield applications.
Applications include:
- Lubricant additives
- Viscosity-modifying polymers
- Oil-soluble polymers
- Oilfield polymer systems
- Functional polymer additives
6. Surface Engineering
Hexadecyl Methacrylate can be used to introduce long hydrophobic side chains into polymer surfaces.
Applications include:
- Surface functionalization
- Wettability control
- Hydrophobic surface preparation
- Polymer interface engineering
- Surface-energy modification
Advantages
- Long-chain hydrophobic methacrylate monomer
- Contains a readily polymerizable methacrylate group
- Useful for homopolymer and copolymer synthesis
- Provides C16 hydrophobic side chains
- Can improve water resistance
- Useful for surface-energy modification
- Suitable for specialty polymer research
- Compatible with other acrylic and methacrylic monomers
- Stabilized commercial grades available
Storage & Handling
- Store in a tightly closed container.
- Keep away from heat, sparks, flames, and direct sunlight.
- Store under supplier-recommended temperature conditions.
- Protect from excessive heat because methacrylate monomers can polymerize when exposed to unsuitable conditions.
- Maintain the recommended inhibitor level during storage.
- Avoid contamination with strong oxidizers or polymerization initiators.
- Handle in a well-ventilated area or suitable fume hood.
- Wear appropriate gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection.
- Follow the current product SDS for specific storage and handling requirements.
Commercial Hexadecyl Methacrylate is available in stabilized form; one supplier specifies 100 ppm hydroquinone and long-term storage at 2–8°C.
Research Areas
This product can support research, formulation development, and material innovation across multiple scientific and industrial fields, including:
- Dental Materials – Research and development of dental resin composites, dental adhesives, restorative materials, orthodontic bonding materials, and other resin-based dental systems.
- Polymer Materials – Polymer synthesis, modification, crosslinking, and structure–property studies.
- Coatings & Surface Materials – Development of functional coatings, surface treatments, and polymer-based protective materials.
- Adhesives & Sealants – Formulation and performance optimization of adhesive and sealant systems.
- Biomedical Materials – Research on functional polymeric materials and other material systems for biomedical applications.
- Chemical Synthesis – Use as a reagent, monomer, additive, crosslinker, or initiator in laboratory and industrial chemical synthesis, depending on its chemical functionality.
- Advanced Materials Research – Development and optimization of high-performance functional materials for emerging technologies.
Q1: What is Hexadecyl Methacrylate?
A: Hexadecyl Methacrylate is a long-chain alkyl methacrylate monomer with CAS No. 2495-27-4, molecular formula C₂₀H₃₈O₂, and molecular weight approximately 310.51 g/mol.
Q2: Is Hexadecyl Methacrylate the same as Cetyl Methacrylate?
A: Yes. Cetyl Methacrylate is a commonly used synonym for Hexadecyl Methacrylate.
Q3: What is Hexadecyl Methacrylate used for?
A: It is primarily used as a methacrylate monomer for polymer and copolymer synthesis, especially when hydrophobicity, flexibility, water resistance, or surface-property modification is desired.
Q4: What is the molecular formula of Hexadecyl Methacrylate?
A: The molecular formula is C₂₀H₃₈O₂.
Q5: What is the molecular weight of Hexadecyl Methacrylate?
A: The molecular weight is approximately 310.51 g/mol.
Q6: Can Hexadecyl Methacrylate be used in copolymer synthesis?
A: Yes. Its methacrylate group allows it to participate in free-radical polymerization and copolymerization with compatible acrylic and methacrylic monomers.
Q7: Why is Hexadecyl Methacrylate useful for hydrophobic polymers?
A: Its long C16 alkyl chain provides a hydrophobic side group that can increase the hydrophobic character and reduce surface energy of the resulting polymer.
Q8: Is Hexadecyl Methacrylate stabilized?
A: Commercial products are commonly supplied with polymerization inhibitors such as hydroquinone or MEHQ. The specific inhibitor and concentration should be confirmed in the product specification or SDS.
