2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone
[CAS# 7473-98-5]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Ketone compound
• Name: 2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone
• Synonyms: IHT-PI 1173; UV 1173
• Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₂O₂
• Molecular Weight: 164.20
• CAS Registry Number: 7473-98-5
• EC Number: 231-272-0
• SMILES: CC(C)(C(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1)O

Properties

• Density: 1.077
• Melting point: 4 °C
• Boiling point: 80-81 °C
• Refractive index: 1.533
• Flash point: 230 °F

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07;GHS09 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302-H400-H410-H412
• Safety Statements: P264-P270-P273-P301+P317-P330-P391-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411

Discovery and Applications

2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone, with the chemical formula C₁₁H₁₂O₂, is a notable organic compound used in various industrial and research applications. This compound belongs to the family of hydroxyketones and is recognized for its utility as a photoinitiator in polymer chemistry.

The compound was first synthesized and characterized in the mid-20th century as part of efforts to develop new photoinitiators for the polymerization of various monomers. Its synthesis involves the reaction of hydroxyacetone with acetophenone in the presence of appropriate catalysts, leading to the formation of 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone.

One of the primary applications of 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone is in the field of ultraviolet (UV) curing. As a photoinitiator, it plays a crucial role in the polymerization of UV-curable resins. When exposed to UV light, 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone absorbs the radiation and initiates the polymerization process by generating free radicals. This makes it an essential component in the manufacturing of coatings, inks, adhesives, and other materials that require fast curing times and enhanced durability.

In addition to its role in UV curing, 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone is used in the production of various types of polymerized films and coatings. Its efficiency as a photoinitiator contributes to the development of high-performance coatings with excellent resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and environmental factors. This makes it valuable in applications ranging from automotive finishes to electronic device coatings.

Another significant application of 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone is in the field of dental materials. It is employed as a photoinitiator in dental resins and composites, where it helps in achieving rapid curing and enhancing the mechanical properties of the dental products. The compound's effectiveness in initiating polymerization ensures that dental materials can be quickly and efficiently hardened, providing reliable and long-lasting dental restorations.

Moreover, 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone is used in research and development settings to study and optimize polymerization processes. Its ability to initiate polymerization upon UV exposure makes it a useful tool for scientists and engineers working on new materials and technologies.

Overall, 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone's applications span various industries, highlighting its importance as a versatile and effective photoinitiator. Its contribution to UV curing, dental materials, and polymer research underscores its value in advancing material science and technology.

References

2024. Preparation and properties of waterborne UV-curable epoxy soybean oil acrylate resin. Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, 21(6).
DOI: 10.1007/s11998-024-01020-4

2024. Dynamic Schiff base linkage-based double-network hydrogels with injectable, self-healing, and pH-responsive properties for bacteria-infected wound healing. Cellulose, 31(8).
DOI: 10.1007/s10570-024-05972-z

1982. Chemical polarization of nuclei and mechanism of photolysis of α-hydroxyketones. Bulletin of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Division of chemical science, 31(3).
DOI: 10.1007/bf00949760