- ▸ Liquid Type I alpha-ketoester photoinitiator for low-yellowing, low-odor cure of clear UV coatings (Coatings & Construction)
- ▸ Improves surface cure and reduces odor in UV/UV-LED inks and varnishes (Industrial Manufacturing)
- ▸ Cures clear UV-curable adhesives and plastics with easy formulation handling (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 →
Methyl benzoylformate (MBF) is a liquid Type I phenylglyoxylate photoinitiator. It cleaves under UV for surface cure with low odor, and also acts as a sensitizer — a low-odor, liquid surface-cure initiator often used in low-migration and overprint systems. Identity: CAS 15206-55-0.
What it is
Methyl benzoylformate (CAS 15206-55-0, methyl phenylglyoxylate) is a phenylglyoxylate ester, a clear liquid. It is the simplest of the phenylglyoxylate Type I initiators valued for low odor and liquid handling.
How it cures
A Type I initiator: UV photolysis of the alpha-ketoester generates radicals that initiate cure directly, and it also shows some sensitizing behavior. It gives clean surface cure with notably low odor — no amine required (though it is compatible in packages).
Applications
Used for low-odor surface cure of UV coatings, overprint varnishes and inks, including migration-sensitive work, often with an acylphosphine oxide (TPO) for through cure. Compare the phenylglyoxylate ester blends.
Forms, grades and handling
MBF 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 Methyl Benzoylformate 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 | Photoinitiator (Type I, phenylglyoxylate) |
| Photoinitiator type | Type I (cleavage), phenylglyoxylate |
| Absorption | UV (mercury-lamp range) |
| CAS Number | 15206-55-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C9H8O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 164.16 g/mol |
| Handling | Light-sensitive; refer to the current SDS |
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 239-263-3
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is methyl benzoylformate used for?
Methyl benzoylformate (MBF, CAS 15206-55-0) is a liquid Type I phenylglyoxylate photoinitiator for low-odor surface cure of UV coatings, varnishes and inks; it also sensitizes and is used in migration-sensitive systems, usually with TPO for through cure.
Why is MBF used in low-migration systems?
Phenylglyoxylates like MBF are chosen for low odor and a favorable migration/byproduct profile, which suits overprint and packaging-adjacent applications — confirm regulatory suitability for any food-contact use.
How is bulk methyl benzoylformate supplied and quoted?
RawSource supplies methyl benzoylformate 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 Methyl benzoylformate (MBF)?
Methyl benzoylformate (MBF) (CAS 15206-55-0) 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 239-263-3).