Triethylene glycol diacrylate
[CAS# 1680-21-3]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Ester >> Acid ester compound
• Name: Triethylene glycol diacrylate
• Synonyms: 1,2-Ethanediylbis(oxy-2,1-ethanediyl) diacrylate
• Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₁₈O₆
• Molecular Weight: 258.27
• CAS Registry Number: 1680-21-3
• EC Number: 216-853-9
• SMILES: C=CC(=O)OCCOCCOCCOC(=O)C=C

Properties

• Density: 1.1±0.1 g/cm³ Calc.^*
• Boiling point: 338.9±22.0 ºC 760 mmHg (Calc.)^*
• Flash point: 146.6±22.4 ºC (Calc.)^*
• Index of refraction: 1.455 (Calc.)^*

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

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H315-H317-H319
• Precautionary Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P272-P280-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P321-P332+P317-P333+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312

Discovory and Applicatios

Triethylene glycol diacrylate (TEGDA) is a difunctional acrylate ester derived from the esterification of triethylene glycol with acrylic acid. It is a clear, low-viscosity liquid and belongs to the class of reactive diluents used extensively in the formulation of ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) curable resins. The structure of TEGDA includes two acrylate groups and an ethylene glycol-based backbone, providing a balance of flexibility and reactivity that makes it a valuable component in various polymer systems.

TEGDA was developed during the expansion of acrylate chemistry in the mid-20th century, a period marked by intensive research into radiation-curable materials. This compound quickly found applications in industrial coatings and adhesives due to its ability to participate in rapid free-radical polymerization. Its difunctionality allows TEGDA to crosslink polymer chains, thereby enhancing the hardness, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength of cured materials.

One of the primary uses of TEGDA is in UV-curable coatings for wood, plastic, paper, and metal substrates. In these systems, it acts as a crosslinking monomer, contributing to the formation of durable and solvent-resistant films. Its low viscosity improves the flow and leveling of formulations, allowing for smooth and uniform application. Because of its relatively low volatility and fast cure response under UV light, TEGDA is especially favored in high-speed production environments such as furniture finishing, packaging, and automotive trim coatings.

TEGDA is also widely used in the printing industry, particularly in UV-curable inks and overprint varnishes. These formulations benefit from TEGDA's ability to enhance gloss, adhesion, and resistance to abrasion and chemicals. In flexographic and inkjet printing, it supports high-resolution printing and rapid curing on diverse substrates.

In the electronics sector, TEGDA is incorporated into coatings and encapsulants for printed circuit boards and other components. Its cured polymers offer insulation, environmental protection, and resistance to thermal and chemical stress, which are critical for maintaining the integrity and performance of electronic devices.

Another key application area for TEGDA is in dental and biomedical materials. It is used in light-curable composites, sealants, and impression materials, where rapid setting and dimensional stability are essential. TEGDA contributes to low polymerization shrinkage and good mechanical properties, making it suitable for restorative dental procedures and custom prosthetics. However, its use in medical devices is subject to regulatory approval and biocompatibility testing.

In the field of 3D printing, especially with photopolymer-based technologies like stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP), TEGDA serves as a crosslinker and reactive diluent. It provides a balance between print resolution, mechanical strength, and surface smoothness in the finished objects. The flexibility conferred by the triethylene glycol spacer in TEGDA helps moderate brittleness, which can be an issue with more rigid acrylates.

In adhesives, TEGDA is utilized in pressure-sensitive and structural adhesives, where it contributes to cohesive strength, resistance to environmental degradation, and curing speed. It is often blended with other acrylates to achieve specific performance targets tailored to the application.

From a chemical standpoint, TEGDA is known for its high reactivity in free-radical polymerizations and its compatibility with a wide range of monomers. This makes it useful for customizing polymer networks to meet diverse requirements in terms of hardness, elasticity, thermal stability, and chemical resistance.

Despite its versatility, TEGDA must be handled with care. It can cause skin and eye irritation, and prolonged or repeated exposure may lead to sensitization. Industrial users are required to follow appropriate safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment and engineering controls to minimize exposure.

Triethylene glycol diacrylate remains a key component in the design and production of high-performance, fast-curing polymer systems. Its unique combination of reactivity, flexibility, and processing advantages ensures its continued relevance in coatings, inks, adhesives, electronics, dental materials, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

References

1997 Effect of diluent upon the properties of a visible-light-cured dental composite. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 8(12).
DOI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15348822

2019 Progress in the development of methods used for the abatement of microbial contaminants in ethanol fermentations: a review. Reviews in Environmental Science and Bio/Technology, 18(4).
DOI: 10.1007/s11157-019-09511-2

2017 Synthesis and characterization of novel renewable castor oil-based UV-curable polyfunctional polyurethane acrylate. Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, 14(5).
DOI: 10.1007/s11998-017-9948-z