Specialty Additives Available — Bulk Only

UV-531 Benzophenone UV Absorber (Octabenzone)

CAS 1843-05-6 · Formula C21H26O3 · MW 326.4 g/mol

A 2-hydroxybenzophenone UV absorber (octabenzone, CAS 1843-05-6) that protects polyolefins, PVC, adhesives, and coatings from sunlight-driven yellowing and embrittlement. Supplied in bulk, sourced to grade.

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CAS Number
1843-05-6
Formula
C21H26O3
Molecular Weight
326.4 g/mol
Material Family
Specialty Additives

What is UV-531 and what is it used for?

UV-531 (octabenzone, CAS 1843-05-6, formula C21H26O3) is a 2-hydroxybenzophenone UV absorber used to protect polyolefins, PVC, adhesives, and coatings from sunlight. It absorbs ultraviolet light and releases the energy as low-level heat, which slows the yellowing, chalking, and loss of strength that sunlight causes in unprotected polymers. RawSource supplies UV-531 in bulk against your grade and volume.

At a Glance
Material Family
Specialty Additives
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
UV Protection
Solubility
Practically insoluble in water; soluble in common organic solvents and compatible with the polymer matrix
Functional Roles
Applications & Use Cases
  • UV screening of film and molded parts (Polyolefins (PE, PP), agricultural and packaging film)
  • Color and gloss retention outdoors (PVC, ABS, styrenics)
  • UV screening of the film and substrate (Coatings, adhesives)
Physical Properties
Form
Off-white to pale yellow powder or granules
Solubility
Practically insoluble in water; soluble in common organic solvents and compatible with the polymer matrix
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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Chemical Identity
CAS Number
1843-05-6
Molecular Formula
C21H26O3
Molecular Weight
326.4 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(2-hydroxy-4-octoxyphenyl)-phenylmethanone
PubChem CID
InChI Key
QUAMTGJKVDWJEQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
UV-531 Octabenzone 2-Hydroxy-4-octyloxybenzophenone Benzophenone-12 Comparable to Cyasorb UV-531 Comparable to Chimassorb 81 Comparable to Uvinul M 408
Full Description

UV-531 (octabenzone, CAS 1843-05-6, formula C21H26O3) is a 2-hydroxybenzophenone UV absorber used to protect polyolefins, PVC, adhesives, and coatings from sunlight. It absorbs ultraviolet light and releases the energy as low-level heat, which slows the yellowing, chalking, and loss of strength that sunlight causes in unprotected polymers. RawSource supplies UV-531 in bulk against your grade and volume.

RawSource supplies UV-531 as a technical benzophenone UV absorber comparable to Cyasorb UV-531 (Syensqo) and Chimassorb 81 and Uvinul M 408 (BASF). RawSource is an independent distributor and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the brand owners; the brand names are used only to identify the comparable commercial grade.

UV-531 is one of the most widely used benzophenone absorbers because it is low in cost, compatible with common polyolefins, and effective in film and molded parts. It is often paired with a hindered-amine light stabilizer (HALS), which mops up the radicals that form once some UV gets through, so the two additives protect the polymer by different mechanisms.

Applications

Polyolefin film and molded parts

In polyethylene and polypropylene, including agricultural and packaging film, UV-531 screens ultraviolet light that would otherwise break chains and make the part brittle. It is compounded into the resin so protection is distributed through the wall of the part.

PVC, ABS, and styrenics

In PVC profile, sheet, and in ABS and styrenic parts, UV-531 helps hold color and gloss under outdoor exposure. It is chosen where a benzophenone absorber gives adequate protection at a favorable cost point.

Coatings and adhesives

In coatings and pressure-sensitive adhesives, UV-531 absorbs ultraviolet light in the film, protecting both the binder and the substrate underneath. It is used where the formulation tolerates a benzophenone-class absorber.

Host polymers and typical use

UV-531 is dispersed into the polymer or coating during compounding or formulation, where it absorbs ultraviolet light before it can break polymer chains, fade pigments, or dull the surface. The systems below are where UV-531 is most often specified.

Host systemTypical roleForm supplied
Polyolefins (PE, PP), agricultural and packaging filmUV screening of film and molded partsPowder
PVC, ABS, styrenicsColor and gloss retention outdoorsPowder
Coatings, adhesivesUV screening of the film and substratePowder

Typical use levels for polymer UV absorbers fall in the 0.1 to 1.0 percent range, set by part thickness, expected outdoor exposure, and the co-stabilizer package (commonly a hindered-amine light stabilizer). Confirm loading on the bench and the exact specification on the Certificate of Analysis for each lot.

Handling and regulatory status

UV-531 is an industrial additive for plastics and coatings and is not sold for cosmetic or food use unless a grade is specified for that. It can be classified as a skin sensitizer, and benzophenone UV absorbers are under regulatory review for endocrine activity as a chemical class, so follow the Safety Data Sheet for the exact classification and handling.

Bulk UV-531 Supply from RawSource

RawSource supplies UV-531 benzophenone UV absorber in bulk to coatings, plastics, and polymer compounding buyers and their purchasing teams. We source to your target grade, purity, and physical form across domestic and import channels, so we match specification, lead time, and landed cost to your program. Multiple qualified producers make UV-531 to a common identity, which keeps supply competitive and available on demand.

Every lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS). We source to order rather than carry fixed stock, so pricing and availability are confirmed by quote. Send your grade, annual volume, and any specification limits for a current bulk price.

Request a bulk UV-531 quote

To buy UV-531 in bulk from RawSource, send your target grade, physical form, packaging, destination, and any specification requirement, and we return a current bulk quote. A CoA and SDS accompany every shipment. Request a quote to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What polymers is UV-531 used in?

UV-531 is used mainly in polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, including agricultural and packaging film, and in PVC, ABS, styrenics, adhesives, and coatings. It is a general-purpose benzophenone absorber chosen for broad compatibility and cost, and it is commonly paired with a hindered-amine light stabilizer for durable outdoor performance.

Is UV-531 the same as benzophenone-3 (oxybenzone)?

No. UV-531 is octabenzone, a 2-hydroxy-4-octyloxybenzophenone used to stabilize plastics and coatings. Oxybenzone, or benzophenone-3, is a different molecule used mainly as a cosmetic UV filter. They share the benzophenone family but are distinct substances with different uses; this page covers the industrial octabenzone grade.

Is UV-531 the same as Cyasorb UV-531?

UV-531 is the generic industry designation for this UV absorber; Cyasorb UV-531 is a branded grade of Syensqo (formerly Cytec). They identify the same class of chemistry, and RawSource supplies UV-531 as a technical grade comparable to Cyasorb UV-531. RawSource is an independent distributor and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the brand owner. Confirm the exact grade and specification against the Certificate of Analysis.

Where can I buy bulk UV-531?

RawSource supplies bulk UV-531 to coatings, plastics, and polymer-compounding buyers in bag, drum, and larger quantities sized to your run. Because several qualified producers make UV-531 to a common identity, supply is competitive and available on demand. Send your grade, volume, and destination for a current bulk quote; a CoA and SDS ship with every lot.

Is this UV absorber a restricted substance?

No. This grade is not the benzotriazole UV-328, which was listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2023, and it is not one of the benzotriazoles on the EU REACH Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (UV-320, UV-326, UV-327, UV-329, and UV-350). It is an industrial additive for polymers and coatings and is not sold for food, drug, or cosmetic use unless a grade is specified for it. Always follow the Safety Data Sheet for handling and disposal.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.