- ▸ Liquid low-odor tertiary-amine co-initiator for Type II UV cure with reduced migration vs EDB (Coatings & Construction)
- ▸ Amine synergist of choice in low-migration UV/UV-LED packaging inks (Industrial Manufacturing)
- ▸ Accelerates oxygen-inhibited surface cure of UV adhesives and plastics (Plastics & Polymers)
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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2-Ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (EHA) is the liquid amine synergist workhorse — a low-odor, low-migration hydrogen donor for Type II photoinitiators. As a liquid it is easy to meter and disperse, accelerating surface cure and reducing oxygen inhibition. Identity: CAS 21245-02-3.
What it is
2-Ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (CAS 21245-02-3) is the 2-ethylhexyl aminobenzoate ester, a clear liquid. The long branched ester chain lowers volatility and migration, making EHA the preferred liquid synergist in many systems.
How it cures
Its tertiary amine donates the hydrogen an excited Type II initiator abstracts to form curing radicals; the aminoalkyl radicals are less oxygen-sensitive, so EHA speeds surface cure and reduces oxygen-inhibition tack. It is a co-initiator, not a standalone initiator.
Applications
Used with Type II initiators — benzophenone, ITX/DETX — in UV coatings, inks and adhesives. The liquid counterpart to solid EDB; compare IAEB.
Forms, grades and handling
EHA is supplied as a clear liquid. 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-Ethylhexyl 4- 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 | Amine synergist (photoinitiator co-initiator) |
| Photoinitiator type | Amine synergist (co-initiator), liquid |
| Absorption | Co-initiator (no standalone absorption) |
| CAS Number | 21245-02-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C17H27NO2 |
| Molecular Weight | 277.4 g/mol |
| Handling | Light-sensitive; refer to the current SDS |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 244-289-3
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EHA used for?
EHA (2-ethylhexyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate, CAS 21245-02-3) is a liquid amine synergist used with Type II photoinitiators to accelerate UV surface cure and overcome oxygen inhibition, chosen for low odor/migration and easy liquid handling.
What is the difference between EHA and EDB?
Both are aminobenzoate synergists; EHA is the liquid 2-ethylhexyl ester (low migration/odor, easy to meter) and EDB is the solid ethyl ester. Choose EHA for liquid handling and low migration.
How is bulk EHA supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies EHA 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-Ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate?
2-Ethylhexyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (CAS 21245-02-3) 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 244-289-3).