Esters Available — Bulk Only

2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate (HEA)

CAS 818-61-1 · Formula C5H8O3 · MW 116.11 g/mol

A hydroxyl-functional acrylic monomer that builds crosslinkable thermoset coatings. It is used as a comonomer in thermosetting acrylic resins, where its hydroxyl group provides crosslinking sites with isocyanates, melamine, and epoxies.

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UN Number
UN 2927
Hazard Class
Class 6.1
HS Code
2916.12
At a Glance
Material Family
Esters
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Film Formation · Synthesis Intermediate
Functional Roles
2-HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE
FILM FORMING
Applications & Use Cases
  • Thermoset coatings: Crosslinking comonomer for acrylic resins.
  • Automotive coatings: Hydroxyl monomer for clearcoats and topcoats.
  • UV/photocure: Monomer for photocure resins and adhesives.
  • Grouts: Component of acrylate grouts.
Physical Properties
Physical Description
Hydroxyethylacrylate appears as a clear colorless liquid. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. Corrosive to tissue. May polymerize exothermically if heated or contaminated. If the polymerization takes place inside a container, the container may rupture violently. Used to make plastics
Appearance
Clear colorless liquid
Odor
Sweet pleasant odor
Boiling Point
> 174 °C at 760 mmHg
Melting Point
-60 °C
Flash Point
101 °C (101 °C) (closed cup)
Solubility
In water, miscible /1X10+6 mg/L/ at 25 °C
Density
Liquid heat capacity = 0.491 BTU/lb-F at 21 °C; Liquid thermal conductivity = 1.048 BTU-in/hr-sq ft-F at 21 °C; Liquid viscosity: 5.438 cP at 70 °C; Saturated vapor pressure = 0.090 lb/sq in at 81 °C; Saturated vapor density = 0.00153 lb/cu ft at 81 °C
Vapor Density
Relative vapor density (air = 1): 4.0
Vapor Pressure
Vapor pressure, Pa at 25 °C: 7.0
LogP
log Kow = -0.21
Viscosity
5.2 mm²/s at 15 °C
Corrosivity
Corrosive to tissue
Refractive Index
Index of refraction: 1.4482 at 25 °C
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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DOT / UN Transport Classification
DOT hazard class 6.1 placard
UN / DOT NumberUN 2927
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 6.1
Proper Shipping NameToxic liquids, corrosive, organic, n.o.s.

Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.

HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2916 . 12
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.16
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2916.12
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
818-61-1
Molecular Formula
C5H8O3
Molecular Weight
116.11 g/mol
IUPAC Name
2-hydroxyethyl prop-2-enoate
INCI Name
2-HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE
PubChem CID
InChI Key
OMIGHNLMNHATMP-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
2-HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE Hydroxyethyl acrylate 2-Propenoic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester Ethylene glycol monoacrylate Bisomer 2HEA 2-(Acryloyloxy)ethanol Ethylene glycol, acrylate Acrylic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester Ethylene glycol, monoacrylate beta-Hydroxyethyl acrylate 2-hydroxyethyl prop-2-enoate 2-hydroxyethylacrylate Acrylic acid 2-hydroxyethyl ester 2-Hydroxyethylester kyseliny akrylove 2-Hydroxyethyl Acrylate (stabilized with MEHQ)
Full Description

2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate (CAS 818-61-1), a hydroxyl-functional acrylic monomer. It is used as a comonomer in thermosetting acrylic resins, where its hydroxyl group provides crosslinking sites with isocyanates, melamine, and epoxies. End uses include automotive and architectural coatings, photocure resins, adhesives, and acrylate grouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hydroxyethyl acrylate used for?

2-Hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA, CAS 818-61-1) is a hydroxyl-functional acrylic monomer used as a comonomer in thermosetting acrylic resins, where its hydroxyl group provides crosslinking sites with isocyanates, melamine, and epoxies. End uses include automotive and architectural coatings, UV/photocure resins, adhesives, and acrylate grouts.

What is the chemical formula of hydroxyethyl acrylate?

Hydroxyethyl acrylate has the molecular formula C5H8O3 and CAS number 818-61-1. It is an ester of acrylic acid bearing a 2-hydroxyethyl group, which gives it both polymerizable acrylate functionality and a reactive hydroxyl group.

Why does HEA provide crosslinking sites in acrylic resins?

The pendant hydroxyl group on HEA reacts with isocyanates, melamine, and epoxy curatives, so copolymerizing HEA into an acrylic resin builds in hydroxyl functionality for two-component crosslinking. This is the basis for its use in automotive clearcoats and topcoats.

Is hydroxyethyl acrylate DOT-regulated for shipping?

Yes. Hydroxyethyl acrylate ships under UN 2927. The correct shipping name, packing group, and any required stabilizer/inhibitor handling are detailed on the SDS, which ships with every order; confirm requirements with your carrier.

How is hydroxyethyl acrylate supplied in bulk?

RawSource supplies HEA in drums, IBC totes, and bulk for coatings and resin manufacturers. It is inhibited to control premature polymerization; confirm inhibitor type and level on the CoA. Request a bulk quote for current pricing and lead time.

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.