Ditrimethylolpropane tetraacrylate
[CAS# 94108-97-1]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Ester
• Name: Ditrimethylolpropane tetraacrylate
• Molecular Formula: C₂₄H₃₄O₉
• Molecular Weight: 466.52
• CAS Registry Number: 94108-97-1
• EC Number: 302-434-9
• SMILES: CCC(COCC(CC)(COC(=O)C=C)COC(=O)C=C)(COC(=O)C=C)COC(=O)C=C

Properties

• Density: 1.1±0.1 g/cm³, Calc.^*, 1.101 g/cm³, (25 °C)
• Index of Refraction: 1.480, Calc.^*, 1.479
• Boiling Point: 540.4±50.0 °C (760 mmHg), Calc.^*
• Flash Point: 228.2±30.2 °C, Calc.^*

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

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07;GHS09 Warning
• Risk Statements: H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P271-P280-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305+P351+P338-P319-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P403+P233-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411

Discovery and Applications

Ditrimethylolpropane tetraacrylate (DTMPTA) is a multifunctional acrylate monomer that belongs to the family of acrylates used extensively in UV and electron beam (EB) curing applications. Its chemical structure, characterized by the presence of four acrylate groups, provides significant crosslinking capability, making it ideal for use in various high-performance coatings, adhesives, and inks. DTMPTA is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with excellent reactivity and versatility in polymerization reactions.

The discovery and development of DTMPTA emerged from the broader search for acrylates that could improve the performance of polymer networks. As industries sought more efficient methods for achieving fast curing and durable coatings, especially in UV-curable systems, DTMPTA's tetrafunctional structure made it highly attractive. Its ability to form densely crosslinked polymers leads to improved mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and hardness in the final products.

One of the primary applications of DTMPTA is in UV and EB curing processes, where it serves as a key component in formulating high-performance coatings, adhesives, and sealants. Due to its multiple acrylate groups, DTMPTA promotes rapid polymerization upon exposure to UV light or electron beams, allowing for efficient curing at room temperature without the need for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This makes it an environmentally friendly option in various industries, including automotive, electronics, and packaging, where fast-drying and durable coatings are critical.

In the field of 3D printing, DTMPTA has gained importance as a key monomer in photopolymer resins. Its high crosslinking potential ensures that 3D-printed objects exhibit strong mechanical properties, excellent surface hardness, and resistance to wear and tear. This has made DTMPTA an essential component in creating durable prototypes and finished products using additive manufacturing techniques.

Another application of DTMPTA is in adhesives and sealants, where its crosslinking ability enhances the bonding strength and durability of materials. In particular, UV-curable adhesives formulated with DTMPTA are known for their quick curing times and strong adhesion properties, making them suitable for applications in electronics, medical devices, and industrial assembly.

The use of DTMPTA extends to the production of specialty inks, especially in the printing industry. UV-curable inks containing DTMPTA offer superior adhesion to various substrates, fast drying times, and improved durability, making them ideal for high-speed printing processes. These inks are widely used in the packaging industry, where fast production cycles and high-quality prints are essential.

References

2009 Synthesis of Poly(Methylmethacrylate) Latex with Enhanced Rigidity through Surfactant Control. MRS Online Proceedings Library, 1134.
DOI: 10.1557/proc-1134-bb05-10

2016 Tissue mechanics promote IDH1-dependent HIF1α-tenascin C feedback to regulate glioblastoma aggression. Nature Cell Biology, 18(12).
DOI: 10.1038/ncb3429

2022 Generating Microstructures with Highly Variable Mechanical Performance using Two-Photon Lithography and Thiol-ene Photopolymerization. Chinese Journal of Polymer Science, 40(11).
DOI: 10.1007/s10118-022-2802-5