- ▸ 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 →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 |
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.