Specialty Additives Available — Bulk Only

2-Ethylanthraquinone (2-EAQ)

CAS 84-51-5 · Formula C16H12O2 · MW 236.26 g/mol

A pale-yellow anthraquinone photoinitiator that abstracts hydrogen from amines under UV light for curing coatings, inks, and adhesives.

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CAS Number
84-51-5
Formula
C16H12O2
Molecular Weight
236.26 g/mol
Material Family
Specialty Additives
At a Glance
Material Family
Specialty Additives
Primary Role
Crosslinking / Curing
Functional Roles
Applications & Use Cases
  • Type II anthraquinone photoinitiator/sensitizer used with amine synergists for UV cure of coatings (Coatings & Construction)
  • Sensitizer for UV inks and wood/paper overprint systems (Industrial Manufacturing)
  • Sensitizes cure of UV-curable plastics and adhesives (Plastics & Polymers)
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
84-51-5
Molecular Formula
C16H12O2
Molecular Weight
236.26 g/mol
IUPAC Name
2-ethylanthracene-9,10-dione
PubChem CID
InChI Key
SJEBAWHUJDUKQK-UHFFFAOYSA-N
XLogP
4.4
Full Description

2-Ethylanthraquinone is a Type II anthraquinone photoinitiator/sensitizer. As an H-abstraction initiator it works with a hydrogen donor (amine) and absorbs into longer UV, useful for surface cure and as a sensitizer in some UV systems. Identity: CAS 84-51-5.

What it is

2-Ethylanthraquinone (CAS 84-51-5) is an ethyl-substituted anthraquinone, a pale-yellow solid. The ethyl group improves solubility over unsubstituted anthraquinone. (It is also a versatile fine-chemical intermediate.)

How it cures

A Type II anthraquinone: excited anthraquinone abstracts a hydrogen from a donor (amine co-initiator) to generate curing radicals. It absorbs at longer UV/near-visible, so it can cure tinted systems and act as a sensitizer; pair with an amine synergist such as EDB or EHA.

Applications

Used as a Type II photoinitiator/sensitizer in UV coatings and inks and as a sensitizer in some specialty UV systems, with an amine synergist and usually a Type I initiator for through cure.

Forms, grades and handling

2-Ethylanthraquinone is supplied as a pale-yellow solid. Photoinitiators are light-sensitive — store cool, dry and dark, away from light and ignition sources. Handle per the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS); each lot ships with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS).

Bulk supply and RFQ

RawSource sources 2-Ethylanthraquinone direct from producers in bulk, with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Tell us your lamp (mercury or LED wavelength), system (clear or pigmented) and cure target, and we will quote the right grade. Compare the full range and selection logic in the photoinitiators guide.

Typical Properties

Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.

Property Typical Value
Chemical / type Photoinitiator (Type II, anthraquinone)
Photoinitiator type Type II (H-abstraction), anthraquinone
Absorption Long UV / near-visible
CAS Number 84-51-5
Molecular Formula C16H12O2
Molecular Weight 236.26 g/mol
Handling Light-sensitive; refer to the current SDS

Regulatory & registration requirements

  • TSCA (US):
  • REACH (EU):
  • EC number: 201-535-4

Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2-ethylanthraquinone used for?

2-Ethylanthraquinone (CAS 84-51-5) is a Type II anthraquinone photoinitiator/sensitizer used in UV coatings and inks with an amine synergist; it absorbs into longer UV/near-visible. It is also a fine-chemical intermediate.

How is bulk 2-ethylanthraquinone supplied and quoted?

RawSource supplies 2-ethylanthraquinone in bulk with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on grade and volume; submit an RFQ with your target quantity.

What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of 2-Ethylanthraquinone (2-EAQ)?

2-Ethylanthraquinone (2-EAQ) (CAS 84-51-5) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 201-535-4).

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.