Irgacure 754
[CAS# 211510-16-6]

Identification

• Name: Irgacure 754
• Synonyms: 2-[2-(2-oxo-2-phenylacetyl)oxyethoxy]ethyl 2-oxo-2-phenylacetate
• Molecular Formula: C₂₀H₁₈O₇
• Molecular Weight: 370.35
• CAS Registry Number: 211510-16-6
• EC Number: 689-353-5
• SMILES: C1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)C(=O)OCCOCCOC(=O)C(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2

Properties

• Density: 1.3±0.1 g/cm³, Calc.^*
• Index of Refraction: 1.558, Calc.^*
• Boiling Point: 516.1±35.0 °C (760 mmHg), Calc.^*
• Flash Point: 226.1±26.0 °C, Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H317
• Safety Statements: P261-P272-P280-P302+P352-P321-P333+P313-P362+P364-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1B	H317

Discovery and Applications

Irgacure 754 is a highly efficient photoinitiator widely used in the field of ultraviolet (UV) curing technologies. This compound plays a crucial role in initiating the polymerization of various monomers and oligomers when exposed to UV light, making it an essential component in the production of coatings, inks, adhesives, and other materials that require rapid curing processes. Irgacure 754, developed by Ciba Specialty Chemicals, represents an advancement in photoinitiator technology due to its high reactivity and versatility across different substrates.

The discovery of Irgacure 754 can be traced back to the ongoing efforts in the late 20th century to develop more efficient and versatile photoinitiators. The goal was to create a compound that could offer rapid curing times, excellent adhesion properties, and minimal yellowing or degradation of the cured materials. Irgacure 754, with its specific chemical structure, met these criteria, providing a solution that could be used in a wide range of industrial applications.

One of the primary applications of Irgacure 754 is in the UV curing of coatings and varnishes. These coatings are widely used in the automotive, electronics, and packaging industries, where quick curing times and high-performance finishes are essential. When Irgacure 754 is incorporated into these formulations, it ensures that the coatings cure rapidly upon exposure to UV light, resulting in durable and high-quality surfaces. This rapid curing capability not only enhances production efficiency but also reduces energy consumption compared to traditional thermal curing methods.

In the printing industry, Irgacure 754 is a key component in UV-curable inks. These inks are favored for their ability to dry almost instantly under UV light, allowing for faster printing speeds and higher throughput. The use of Irgacure 754 in these inks ensures that they adhere well to various substrates, including paper, plastics, and metals, while maintaining vibrant colors and sharp images. This makes it an ideal choice for applications such as packaging, labels, and high-quality print media.

Adhesives are another significant area where Irgacure 754 is employed. In UV-curable adhesives, this photoinitiator allows for the rapid bonding of materials, which is particularly useful in industries where quick assembly processes are required. The adhesives formulated with Irgacure 754 exhibit strong adhesion, excellent transparency, and resistance to environmental factors, making them suitable for applications in electronics, optics, and medical devices.

Moreover, Irgacure 754 has found use in the development of 3D printing technologies, particularly in stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP). In these processes, the photoinitiator plays a critical role in converting liquid resins into solid layers through controlled UV exposure. The precision and speed offered by Irgacure 754 enable the production of highly detailed and complex 3D structures, contributing to the advancement of additive manufacturing.

The efficiency of Irgacure 754 is further demonstrated in its ability to minimize the yellowing of cured materials, a common issue with other photoinitiators. This characteristic is particularly important in applications where optical clarity and color stability are essential, such as in coatings for optical lenses or clear varnishes for wood and plastic products.

Overall, the introduction of Irgacure 754 marked a significant milestone in the development of photoinitiators for UV curing. Its versatility, efficiency, and ability to produce high-quality cured materials have made it a preferred choice across various industries. As UV curing technologies continue to evolve, Irgacure 754 is likely to remain a vital component, driving innovations in manufacturing processes and product performance.

References

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