2-Methyl-4'-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone
[CAS# 71868-10-5]

Identification

• Classification: Catalysts and additives >> UV absorber
• Name: 2-Methyl-4'-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone
• Synonyms: 2-methyl-1-(4-methylsulfanylphenyl)-2-morpholin-4-ylpropan-1-one
• Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₂₁NO₂S
• Molecular Weight: 279.40
• CAS Registry Number: 71868-10-5
• EC Number: 400-600-6
• SMILES: CC(C)(C(=O)C1=CC=C(C=C1)SC)N2CCOCC2

Properties

• Melting point: 74-76 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS08;GHS07;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H302-H360-H411
• Safety Statements: P203-P264-P270-P273-P280-P301+P317-P318-P330-P391-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1B	H360
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1B	H360FD
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1B	H360FD

• Transport Information: UN 3077

Discovery and Applications

2-Methyl-4'-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone, commonly known as a photoinitiator, is integral to the field of UV-curable materials. This chemical compound belongs to the family of ketone photoinitiators and is utilized for initiating polymerization reactions upon exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Its discovery arose from the quest to enhance the efficiency and versatility of photoinitiators used in various industrial applications.

The compound features a propiophenone backbone with substituents including a methylthio group and a morpholine ring. The methylthio group enhances UV light absorption, while the morpholine ring provides additional stability and solubility, making the compound effective in diverse formulations. This unique combination of chemical groups contributes to its role in promoting efficient polymerization when subjected to UV light.

In practical applications, 2-methyl-4'-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone is widely used in UV-curable systems. These systems are pivotal in industries such as coatings, inks, and adhesives. In the coatings industry, the compound is incorporated into formulations to create durable finishes for various substrates, including metals, plastics, and glass. The rapid curing and strong protective qualities provided by this photoinitiator are crucial for high-performance coatings.

In the printing sector, UV-curable inks containing this compound offer advantages such as fast curing times and high-quality print results. These inks are particularly beneficial for high-speed printing processes and detailed graphic applications, where efficiency and precision are paramount. The compound’s ability to facilitate quick polymerization contributes to faster production cycles and enhanced print quality.

Additionally, 2-methyl-4'-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone finds use in UV-curable adhesives. These adhesives benefit from the compound's strong bonding properties and rapid curing capabilities, making them suitable for various bonding applications that require quick processing and robust adhesion.

Research continues to explore new applications and optimize the performance of 2-methyl-4'-(methylthio)-2-morpholinopropiophenone. Advances in understanding its interaction with different formulations and expanding its use in emerging technologies remain active areas of study. The compound’s role in improving efficiency and quality in UV-curable systems underscores its significance in industrial and commercial applications.

References

2019. Photopolymerization of polymeric composites in drug delivery, tissue engineering applications. Polymer Nanocomposites in Biomedical Engineering, 2019.
DOI: 10.1007/s978-030-04741-3_9

2014. Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction for Photoinitiator Analysis in Fruit Juice. Food Analytical Methods, 7(10).
DOI: 10.1007/s12161-9971-y

2009. Determination of low-level ink photoinitiator residues in packaged milk. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 395(7).
DOI: 10.1007/s00216-3115-009