2-isocyanatoethyl acrylate

2-Isocyanatoethyl acrylate (CAS 13641-96-8) is a bifunctional reactive monomer combining an isocyanate group and an acrylate group within a single molecule. This dual reactivity allows formulators to introduce both UV-curable and urethane-crosslinking chemistry into the same polymer system. In UV-curable coatings and inks, it functions as a crosslinking monomer that simultaneously builds urethane linkages. This improves adhesion, hardness, and chemical resistance in the cured film without requiring separate reactive components.

Adhesive and sealant formulators use it to modify acrylate backbones with isocyanate functionality. This enables moisture-cure or dual-cure mechanisms in structural and flexible bonding systems for industrial applications. Polymer chemists incorporate it into acrylic resins to introduce pendant isocyanate groups for post-functionalization. This allows for reactive blending with various hydroxyl-bearing or amine-bearing substrates in complex formulations.

In printing and packaging applications, it supports the development of high-performance overprint varnishes. It is also used in laminating adhesives where both flexibility and high crosslink density are critical for performance. Supplied as a liquid monomer, it is typically stabilized to prevent premature polymerization during storage and transport. Technical-grade material is the standard commercial offering for most industrial manufacturing processes.

Purity specifications are commonly at 97% or higher to ensure consistent performance in sensitive chemical reactions. Packaging ranges from small laboratory quantities to drum-scale supply for large-scale industrial use.