- ▸ Imidazole accelerator/curing agent for epoxy resins; a standard latent catalyst in one-component epoxy systems
- ▸ Used in electrical laminates, powder coatings and adhesives as an accelerator for dicyandiamide and anhydride cures
- ▸ Yields high-Tg, heat-resistant epoxy networks
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.
Request SDS →⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to 2-Methylimidazole, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
2-Methylimidazole is an imidazole epoxy curing agent and accelerator — it both cures epoxy on its own (catalytic homopolymerization) and accelerates other hardeners, giving high-Tg, heat-resistant networks. The 2-methyl group tunes reactivity and latency. Identity: CAS 693-98-1.
What it is
2-Methylimidazole is a nucleophilic imidazole. Imidazoles act as catalytic curing agents and accelerators for epoxy, used at low loadings and often as latent (heat-activated) curatives.
How it cures
The imidazole nitrogen initiates epoxy homopolymerization (catalytic cure) and accelerates amine/anhydride cures; this builds a high-crosslink, high-Tg, chemically and heat-resistant network. Used at low levels, often for one-component (latent) heat-cure systems.
Applications
It is used in one-component and powder-coating epoxy, laminates and adhesives, and as an accelerator for other hardeners and a catalyst (also in PU). See the epoxy curing agents guide; latent option DICY.
Forms, grades and handling
Supplied as a solid/low-melting product in bags and drums. Properties are typical reference values; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot you buy governs. Amine curing agents are typically corrosive and can sensitize skin — handle per the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Each lot ships with CoA, TDS and SDS.
Bulk supply and RFQ
RawSource sources 2-Methylimidazole direct from producers in bulk, with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Tell us your resin system, cure schedule (ambient or heat) and the properties you need (pot life, Tg, flexibility, chemical resistance), and we will quote the right hardener. See selection logic in the epoxy curing agents guide.
Typical Properties
Typical reference values, not a specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot governs.
| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical / class | Imidazole curing agent / accelerator |
| Cure role | Latent/heat cure & accelerator |
| CAS Number | 693-98-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C4H6N2 |
| Molecular Weight | 82.10 g/mol |
| Handling | Refer to the current SDS |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 211-765-7
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Regulatory restriction status
2-Methylimidazole (2MI) (CAS 693-98-1) appears on the regulatory list(s) below. This is public regulatory information about the substance — not a statement about any specific supplier’s material, and not a safety claim. Confirm the current status for your jurisdiction and intended use.
- California Proposition 65: listed for cancer, listed 22 Jun 2012. A California Proposition 65 warning applies (see the warning above).
- REACH SVHC Candidate List (EU): listed 25 Jun 2020 on the basis of toxic for reproduction (Art. 57(c)). SVHC status triggers EU supplier-communication and notification duties above 0.1% w/w; it is not, by itself, a ban on sale.
Sources: ECHA Candidate List / Annex XIV / Annex XVII (echa.europa.eu); U.S. EPA TSCA; UN Stockholm Convention / EU POPs Regulation; California OEHHA Proposition 65 list. Retrieved 2026-07-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 2-Methylimidazole used for?
2-Methylimidazole (CAS 693-98-1) is an imidazole epoxy curing agent and accelerator used in one-component and powder-coating epoxy, laminates and adhesives, giving high-Tg, heat-resistant networks; it is also an accelerator for other hardeners and a catalyst.
How is bulk 2-Methylimidazole supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies 2-Methylimidazole in bulk with CoA, TDS and SDS per lot. Pricing is quote-based on grade and volume; submit an RFQ with your resin system and cure schedule.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of 2-Methylimidazole (2MI)?
2-Methylimidazole (2MI) (CAS 693-98-1) 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 211-765-7).