- ▸ Classic Type II hydrogen-abstraction photoinitiator, used with amine synergists for surface cure of UV coatings and varnishes (Coatings & Construction)
- ▸ Low-cost initiator for UV/UV-LED inks and overprint varnish (Industrial Manufacturing)
- ▸ Cures UV-curable plastics and adhesives in amine-synergist systems (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.
Request SDS →⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to Benzophenone, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Benzophenone (CAS 119-61-9) is diphenyl ketone, a white crystalline solid with a faint rose-like odor. Identity: PubChem.
What it is
A Type II initiator: excited benzophenone abstracts a hydrogen from an amine co-initiator to form radicals that cure the surface. It absorbs in the UV and is the low-cost backbone of many Type II/amine surface-cure packages.
How it cures
Benzophenone is the classic, economical Type II photoinitiator. It cures by hydrogen abstraction and requires an amine synergist, giving low-cost surface cure for coatings and inks. It is also widely used as a UV absorber and a chemical intermediate.
Applications
Benzophenone is used for surface cure of UV coatings, overprint varnishes and inks, paired with an amine synergist such as EDB, often alongside a Type I initiator for through cure. Related Type II options: 4-methylbenzophenone and ITX.
Forms, grades and handling
Benzophenone is supplied as white flakes/crystals. Photoinitiators are light-sensitive — store cool and dark. Many are fine powders or liquids that require dust/handling controls 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 Benzophenone 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 or blend. 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 | Benzophenone — Photoinitiator (Type II) |
| Type | Type II (H-abstraction) |
| Co-initiator | Requires an amine synergist |
| Also | UV absorber; intermediate |
| Appearance | White crystalline flakes |
| CAS Number | 119-61-9 |
| Molecular Formula | C13H10O |
| Handling | Light-sensitive; refer to the current SDS |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 204-337-6
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Regulatory restriction status
Benzophenone (BP) (CAS 119-61-9) 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).
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 benzophenone used for?
Benzophenone (CAS 119-61-9) is a low-cost Type II photoinitiator for surface cure of UV coatings and inks (with an amine synergist); it is also used as a UV absorber and chemical intermediate.
Does benzophenone need an amine?
Yes — as a Type II initiator it cures by hydrogen abstraction and requires an amine synergist such as EDB or EHA.
Is benzophenone food-contact safe?
Benzophenone use in food-contact materials is regulated and restricted in some jurisdictions; confirm regulatory status and migration limits for your application.
What is the CAS and formula of benzophenone?
It is CAS 119-61-9 (PubChem CID 3102), molecular formula C13H10O. The CoA documents grade.
How is bulk benzophenone supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies it as flakes/crystals in bulk with CoA, TDS and SDS. Pricing is quote-based on grade and volume; submit an RFQ.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Benzophenone (BP)?
Benzophenone (BP) (CAS 119-61-9) 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 204-337-6).