Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate
Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) is a colorless, viscous liquid made when two methacrylic acid units react with ethylene glycol. It has two reactive double bonds, so it acts as a crosslinking agent in polymers, helping to form strong, interconnected networks.
Key points
- Also known as EGDMA, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, ethylene glycol bis(methacrylate), or 1,2-bis(methacryloyloxy)ethane.
- Chemical formula: C10H14O4; molar mass: 198.22 g/mol; density: 1.051 g/mL; melting point: -40°C; boiling point: 98–100°C (at low pressure).
- Synthesis: made by esterifying methacrylic acid with ethylene glycol; can also form accidentally during hydroxyethylation of methacrylic acid.
- Uses: a crosslinking agent in acrylic resins and copolymers (often with methyl methacrylate); used in some composites such as hydroxyapatite/poly(methyl methacrylate).
- Safety: flash point about 101°C. Hazards include skin irritation (H315), skin sensitization (H317), eye irritation (H319), respiratory irritation (H335), and long-term aquatic hazard (H412). Handle with care, avoid skin and eye contact, work in a well-ventilated area, and store away from ignition sources.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 02:12 (CET).