Mono-2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl maleate

Mono-2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl maleate (CAS 51978-15-5), also known as HEMA maleate, is a bifunctional reactive monomer carrying both a methacrylate and a maleic acid half-ester group. This dual reactivity allows it to participate in free-radical polymerization while introducing pendant carboxylic acid functionality into polymer backbones. This combination drives adhesion and surface compatibility.

In electronics, it is incorporated into photoresist formulations and adhesion-promoting coatings where carboxylic acid groups improve substrate bonding to metals and inorganic surfaces. UV-curable inks and overprint varnishes in printing and packaging use it to enhance adhesion to low-energy substrates while maintaining cure speed and overall performance.

Structural and pressure-sensitive adhesive formulations benefit from its ability to introduce crosslinkable acid sites that improve cohesive strength and peel resistance in various environments. In polymer modification, it functions as a reactive compatibilizer, grafting onto polymer chains to improve interfacial adhesion in composite and laminate systems for industrial use.

The product is supplied as a liquid monomer, typically with an inhibitor added to prevent premature polymerization during storage and transit. It is available in technical grade for coatings. Packaging ranges from small laboratory quantities to bulk drum supply depending on application scale. Proper storage conditions are required to maintain the stability of this reactive monomer.