- ▸ Liquid tertiary-amine co-initiator/synergist for Type II UV-cure coatings (Coatings & Construction)
- ▸ Amine synergist for UV inks and overprint varnishes with good solubility (Industrial Manufacturing)
- ▸ Boosts surface cure of UV-curable 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.
Request SDS →
Isoamyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate is an amine synergist (co-initiator) — the hydrogen donor Type II photoinitiators need. Its isoamyl ester gives good solubility and low odor, accelerating surface cure and reducing oxygen inhibition. It is not a standalone initiator. Identity: CAS 21245-01-2.
What it is
Isoamyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (CAS 21245-01-2) is an aminobenzoate ester, a low-melting solid/liquid-compatible grade. It is one of the standard aminobenzoate synergists alongside EDB and EHA.
How it cures
Its tertiary amine donates the hydrogen that an excited Type II initiator abstracts to form curing radicals, and the resulting aminoalkyl radicals are less oxygen-sensitive — so it both speeds cure and reduces surface tack from oxygen inhibition.
Applications
Used with Type II initiators — benzophenone, ITX/DETX — in UV coatings and inks to accelerate surface cure. Compare EDB and the liquid EHA.
Forms, grades and handling
Isoamyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate is supplied as a low-melting solid / liquid-compatible grade. 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 Isoamyl 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) |
| Absorption | Co-initiator (no standalone absorption) |
| CAS Number | 21245-01-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C14H21NO2 |
| Molecular Weight | 235.32 g/mol |
| Handling | Light-sensitive; refer to the current SDS |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU): Not determined from public registry
- EC number: 244-288-8
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is isoamyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate used for?
Isoamyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (CAS 21245-01-2) is an amine synergist used with Type II photoinitiators (benzophenone, thioxanthones) to accelerate UV surface cure and overcome oxygen inhibition; it is a co-initiator, not a standalone initiator.
How does it compare to EDB and EHA?
All three are aminobenzoate synergists; they differ in ester group (isoamyl vs ethyl vs 2-ethylhexyl), physical form, solubility, odor and migration. Choose by handling and migration needs.
How is bulk isoamyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies isoamyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate 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 Isoamyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate?
Isoamyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (CAS 21245-01-2) is listed as Active on the U.S. EPA TSCA Inventory; its REACH registration status is not determined from the public ECHA registry.