Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate
[CAS# 29570-58-9]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Ester >> Acid ester compound
• Name: Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate
• Synonyms: 2-[[3-[(1-oxoallyl)oxy]-2,2-bis[[(1-oxoallyl)oxy]methyl]propoxy]methyl]-2-[[(1-oxoallyl)oxy]methyl]-1,3-propanediyl diacrylate
• Molecular Formula: C₂₈H₃₄O₁₃
• Molecular Weight: 578.56
• CAS Registry Number: 29570-58-9
• EC Number: 249-698-0
• SMILES: C=CC(=O)OCC(COCC(COC(=O)C=C)(COC(=O)C=C)COC(=O)C=C)(COC(=O)C=C)COC(=O)C=C

Properties

• Density: 1.2±0.1 g/cm³ Calc.^*
• Boiling point: 640.7±55.0 ºC 760 mmHg (Calc.)^*
• Flash point: 266.2±31.5 ºC (Calc.)^*
• Index of refraction: 1.495 (Calc.)^*

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

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H315-H317-H319-H412
• Precautionary Statements: P261-P264-P264+P265-P272-P273-P280-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P321-P332+P317-P333+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1A	H317
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	1A	H360

Discovory and Applicatios

Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate (DPHA) is a highly functional acrylate monomer widely used in ultraviolet (UV) and electron beam (EB) curable systems. It contains six acrylate groups attached to a dipentaerythritol core, making it a multifunctional crosslinking agent capable of forming densely crosslinked polymer networks. DPHA is typically a clear, viscous liquid with low volatility and high reactivity due to the presence of multiple acrylate functionalities.

The development of DPHA is rooted in the broader exploration of multifunctional acrylate and methacrylate esters that began in the mid-20th century. These compounds were created to improve the performance of polymer coatings, adhesives, and composites by enhancing properties such as hardness, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. DPHA was introduced to meet the demand for acrylates that could deliver extremely fast curing and high crosslink density, especially in applications requiring exceptional durability.

DPHA is primarily used in the formulation of high-performance coatings. In UV-curable coatings, it contributes to hardness, scratch resistance, and chemical resistance. It is commonly employed in applications where mechanical strength and resistance to solvents or abrasion are critical, such as flooring finishes, automotive parts, electronic components, and industrial machinery surfaces. Its high functionality ensures rapid curing even under low UV intensity, which is advantageous for high-throughput production lines.

Another major application of DPHA is in the production of UV-curable inks and varnishes. It enhances the adhesion of ink to substrates, improves rub resistance, and contributes to gloss and durability. In the packaging industry, DPHA-based inks and overprint varnishes are valued for their ability to cure instantly and withstand mechanical handling and chemical exposure.

In adhesives, DPHA is used to formulate structural and pressure-sensitive adhesives that require strong bonding performance and high resistance to heat, moisture, and chemicals. Its inclusion in adhesive formulations increases cohesive strength and reduces creep under load, making it suitable for demanding industrial applications.

The 3D printing industry has also adopted DPHA in photopolymer resins used in stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP). Its multifunctionality enables the formation of rigid, dimensionally stable printed objects with high detail resolution. The cured materials exhibit excellent strength and wear resistance, which are essential for functional prototypes and end-use parts.

DPHA is utilized in dental and medical materials, such as light-curable resins for restorative dentistry and prosthetic devices. The high crosslink density achieved with DPHA helps minimize shrinkage and improve wear resistance. However, its use in biomedical applications is subject to strict regulations regarding biocompatibility and patient safety.

In the electronics industry, DPHA is employed in encapsulants and coatings for printed circuit boards and other sensitive components. Its cured form offers thermal and electrical insulation, protection from environmental stressors, and mechanical reinforcement. It is especially useful in applications that require miniaturization and high performance in confined spaces.

Chemically, DPHA is appreciated for its ability to copolymerize with a wide range of monomers and oligomers. It is often used in combination with less reactive monomers to achieve the desired balance of flexibility, toughness, and curing speed. Its structure provides a rigid, highly crosslinked polymer matrix that enhances the durability and longevity of the final product.

Safety considerations are important when working with DPHA. Like many acrylates, it can cause skin and eye irritation and may lead to sensitization upon prolonged exposure. Therefore, handling guidelines and appropriate protective equipment are necessary to minimize risks in industrial environments.

Overall, dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate plays a critical role in modern materials science, enabling the development of advanced coatings, adhesives, inks, and photopolymer systems. Its ability to deliver rapid curing, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance ensures its continued use in high-performance applications across a range of industries.

References

1999 Probabilistic Approach to the Establishment of Maximal Content Limits of Impurities in Drug Formulations: The Case of Parenteral Diphenylhydantoic Acid. Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP, 29(1).
DOI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10051414

2021 Developments in reactive diluents: a review. Polymer Bulletin, 78(10).
DOI: 10.1007/s00289-021-03808-5

2024 Hydrogen self-supplying initiators excited by visible light for the fabrication of transparent films. Science China Chemistry, 67(9).
DOI: 10.1007/s11426-024-2118-0