Product overview
2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA, CAS 868-77-9) is the ester of methacrylic acid and ethylene glycol. It is a colorless, water-soluble liquid that carries both a polymerizable methacrylate group and a free hydroxyl group, so polymers made with it can be cross-linked with isocyanates, melamine resins or anhydrides.
The grade supplied is specified at ≥ 99 wt% purity, ≤ 10 APHA color, ≤ 0.1 wt% acidity as methacrylic acid, ≤ 0.1 wt% moisture and a density of 0.942–0.944 g/cm³ at 20 °C, with an antioxidant-type inhibitor. HEMA melts at −12 °C and distills at 95 °C under 1.333 kPa.
HEMA is the standard hydroxy monomer for two-component polyurethane and automotive clearcoat resins, where it sets the hydroxyl number of the acrylic polyol. Its water solubility and hydrogel-forming homopolymer also make it the base monomer for soft contact lenses and biomedical gels. ChemPortal supplies it in drums and IBC totes; transport details are given in the SDS.
Key features
- Purity ≥ 99 wt%, color ≤ 10 APHA
- Acidity ≤ 0.1 wt% as methacrylic acid; moisture ≤ 0.1 wt%
- Free hydroxyl group for isocyanate and melamine cross-linking
- Density 0.942–0.944 g/cm³ at 20 °C
- Supplied in drums and IBC totes with certificate of analysis
Applications
- Acrylic polyols for 2K polyurethane coatings
- Automotive OEM and refinish clearcoats
- UV-curable resins, inks and adhesives
- Hydrogels, soft contact lenses and biomedical polymers
- Anaerobic and dental adhesives
- Textile finishing, paper and leather treatment resins
Analysis specification
| Parameter | Limit |
|---|---|
| Color (APHA) | ≤ 10 |
| Purity (wt%) | ≥ 99 |
| Acidity (As Methacrylic acid) | ≤ 0.1% |
| Density (at 20°C) g/cm³ | 0.942-0.944 |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.1% |
| Polymerization inhibitor AO (ppm) | 200±200 |
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Physical properties
- Appearance
- Colorless liquid
- Melting point
- -12 °C
- Boiling point
- 95 °C, 1.333kPa
- Solubility
- Soluble
Identifiers
| CAS No. | 868-77-9 |
| EINECS No. | 212-782-2 |
| HS code | 29161400 |
| Formula | C6H10O3 |
| Molecular weight | 130.1418 g/mol |
| SMILES | C=C(C)C(=O)OCCO |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C6H10O3/c1-5(2)6(8)9-4-3-7/h7H,1,3-4H2,2H3 |
| InChIKey | WOBHKFSMXKNTIM-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Synonyms | 2-hydroxyethyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate, glycol methacrylate, ethylene glycol monomethacrylate, HEMA monomer |
Transport & safety
Dangerous-goods classification and handling instructions are provided in the safety data sheet, available on request.
Packaging & logistics




Standard packaging options. Confirm the packaging, lot size and delivery terms with your quotation.
Frequently asked questions
What is HEMA used for in coatings?
It supplies hydroxyl groups along the acrylic backbone. The resulting acrylic polyol is cured with polyisocyanates in two-component polyurethane coatings or with melamine resins in baking enamels, giving hard, chemical-resistant films.
Is HEMA soluble in water?
Yes, HEMA is fully miscible with water, unlike most methacrylate esters. Its homopolymer swells in water to form a hydrogel, which is why it is used for soft contact lenses.
How should it be stored?
Below 30 °C, protected from light, in vented containers with air in the headspace so the inhibitor stays active. Avoid contact with strong acids, bases and free-radical initiators during storage.
What packaging and documents are provided?
Drums and 1,000 L IBC totes with a certificate of analysis for each lot; SDS and TDS on request. Send ChemPortal your quantity and destination for a delivered quotation.
Published reference specifications. Confirm the current grade, SDS / TDS / COA, packaging and delivery terms with your quotation.
