The chemistry world started paying close attention to diacrylates around the 1970s, as UV-curable coatings and adhesives began to appear in laboratories and on shop floors. Back then, the idea of quick, solvent-free curing sounded pretty wild, almost too ambitious. Still, the arrival of 1,6-Hexanediol Diacrylate (HDDA) marked a turning point. Chemists recognized HDDA as a molecule that could bring flexibility, toughness, and chemical resistance to resin systems. The early days saw HDDA mostly in dental fillings and specialty inks, long before it became the backbone for quick-setting floor coatings or 3D printing resins. Factories that once wrestled with slow-drying varnishes found a new way forward through this unassuming diacrylate. Universities and research labs made their mark by fine-tuning its synthesis, improving purity and yield with each experiment, eventually bringing HDDA into the mainstream.
HDDA, or 1,6-Hexanediol diacrylate, stands out as a clear, mobile liquid with a faint, sweet odor. Its chemical structure, two acrylate groups joined by a flexible hexamethylene chain, pushes it ahead of shorter chain analogs in flexibility and UV-curing potential. This molecule has become a foundational monomer for producing crosslinked polymers, prized in energy-curable inks, coatings, and adhesives. Suppliers ship HDDA by the drum or bulk tanker, with product quality judged by purity, color, and residual inhibitor concentration—those small differences shaping the final performance in application.
Liquid at room temperature, HDDA brings a manageable viscosity and a boiling point high enough to reduce evaporation risks in open systems. It has a molecular weight of 226.29 g/mol, density around 1.01 g/cm³, and flashes at about 108°C. Soluble in most organic solvents, HDDA doesn’t mix with water, which makes it stable for many processing steps. Chemically, the double bonds in the acrylate groups let it form robust three-dimensional networks when exposed to UV light or peroxides. This property sits at the core of its appeal for fast-curing applications. The molecule doesn’t yellow under sunlight, a fact important in flooring or automotive finishes where decades-long appearance counts for quite a lot.
Manufacturers rely on specifications that keep each batch of HDDA reliable. These usually cover purity levels above 97%, color below 50 APHA, and inhibitor content around 200 ppm hydroquinone, safeguarding storage stability. Labels list the product name with common synonyms (1,6-bis(acryloyloxy)hexane), batch numbers, net weight, and hazard warnings in line with GHS guidelines. Transportation rules treat HDDA as a combustible liquid, so every drum features UN codes and emergency advice—vital for anyone stocking or moving chemicals in bulk.
Industrial HDDA production runs by reacting 1,6-hexanediol with acryloyl chloride, usually in a solvent like toluene or dichloromethane. The process calls for careful dosing, constant cooling, and neutralizing agents to mop up hydrochloric acid by-product. Getting a colorless, pure product depends on washing, vacuum distillation, and a shot of stabilizer at the end. Most producers operate under stringent quality controls to keep impurities low; even a trace of water or acid can spoil the polymerizing ability of the final product, leading to wasted effort and poor end results on the manufacturing floor.
HDDA steals the spotlight in free-radical polymerizations. Exposed to UV light or heat, the double bonds react with photoinitiators, quickly snapping open and linking up with other monomers. Chemists often blend HDDA with other acrylates—sometimes with urethanes or epoxies—to fine-tune flexibility, adhesion, or toughness. Recent research has explored modifying HDDA’s end groups to improve compatibility with biodegradable polymers or to cut down on skin sensitization for wearable tech. These tweaks reflect ongoing efforts to bring advanced polymer chemistry closer to everyday needs.
Throughout the industry and across different supply catalogs, HDDA travels under several names: 1,6-Hexanediol diacrylate, 1,6-Bis(acryloyloxy)hexane, Hexamethylene diacrylate, and sometimes simply “HDDA monomer.” Each name reflects the same base chemistry; product datasheets usually reference all common variants to help buyers and quality-control teams line up standards during procurement.
Handling HDDA demands respect. The liquid can irritate skin, eyes, and lungs, especially during large-scale mixing or spraying. Safety data sheets call out for goggles, gloves, and good ventilation. Splashes need swift washing to avoid rashes or longer-term sensitivity, and spilled material gets cleaned up with absorbent sand, never water. Storage away from sunlight and oxidizers, at cool room temperature, keeps unwanted polymerization away—a runaway reaction here ends up with solid lumps in stuck pipes or ruined batches. Industrial plants count on emergency eyewash stations and fume extraction, taking lessons from accidents during the early days of diacrylate use. Modern plants rely on strict protocols and regular training to keep everyone safe, backed by ongoing reviews and improvements each year.
HDDA pops up everywhere, often in places most wouldn’t expect. Paints, wood finishes, 3D printing resins, dental composites, even nail salon gels all lean on its fast-curing chemistry. In adhesives, HDDA joins wood, plastic, or metal in seconds with a zap of UV. Electronics companies print circuit traces and solder masks using HDDA-based inks, counting on detail and reliability. Even graphic arts inks, flexible packaging, and specialty foam production banks on its combination of flexibility, adhesion, and resistance to scratches or chemicals. Factories continue finding new uses as digital manufacturing and smart coatings push the limits of speed, precision, and material compatibility.
Scientists dig deep into HDDA to push performance and address sustainability. Labs tinker with modified analogs for biodegradable or medical resins, hoping for safe breakdown and good mechanical properties. 3D printing spurs demand for lower-viscosity HDDA blends with controlled shrinkage and improved detail, while packaging firms look for less migration and safer food-contact approvals. Research papers track the balance between cure speed, hardness, and flexibility, often turning to additives or copolymer partners to get results. Public and private grant money supports pilot lines that scale up new formulations before wider market launches. Progress here flows quickly into consumer-facing products, sparking another cycle of demand and innovation.
Toxicology teams keep a close eye on HDDA’s effects after years of reports about skin sensitization and inhalation risk in factory settings. Animal studies and human patch tests paint a picture of moderate irritation for prolonged or high-concentration exposures, though normal handling with protection keeps risks low. The molecule doesn’t build up in the food chain, and it breaks down under sunlight or in incinerators. European REACH regulation forces regular in-depth reviews, nudging industry toward safer work practices and clearer labeling. The ongoing debate focuses on balancing performance and safety, especially as HDDA’s reach grows in consumer products and medical fields.
Looking forward, HDDA’s demand runs strong. Markets for fast-curing, solvent-free coatings continue to expand as governments tighten emissions rules. 3D printing and custom healthcare drive need for tuned formulations—less yellowing, greater biocompatibility, and recyclability matter more each year. Advances in catalytic or enzymatic production of HDDA aim to reduce waste and energy use. Researchers explore how HDDA could mesh with future smart polymers—those that change in light, heat, or electric fields—while new blends promise higher safety and lower toxicity. All signs point to HDDA carving a deeper place in coatings, adhesives, and cutting-edge digital manufacturing, with innovation and responsibility tightly linked at every stage.
The name 1,6-Hexanediol Diacrylate probably doesn’t ring many bells outside a specialty lab, but life looks a lot more colorful and durable with a little HDDA in the mix. Most people touch its results every day, though rarely realize what keeps their everyday stuff smooth and strong. HDDA secures things behind the scenes, offering durability, flexibility, and speed where manufacturers can’t afford to compromise.
I walked through a flooring showroom with a friend last month. We compared luxury vinyl plank finishes and got into which ones scratch less or shrug off spilled coffee. Turns out, many of the best-performing floorings use coatings derived from acrylates like HDDA. These coatings stand up to daily abuse because HDDA packs two acrylate groups, which means it cures fast under UV light. Manufacturers lean on this speed and strength to pump out furniture, floor tiles, and cabinetry at a scale homeowners can afford.
Beyond saving on costs, the real benefit comes at home: that paneled kitchen table resists scuffs, stains, and fading much longer. The UV curing means fewer nasty solvents in the process. Fewer fumes translate to less environmental impact inside factories and inside homes, much like low-VOC paints that have caught on in recent years.
Pick up any glossy printed brochure or billboard and odds are HDDA helped those inks stick around. The printing industry prizes speed, and nothing ties together fast production and print quality like acrylate-based inks. Because HDDA helps inks dry almost the second lights hit them, print shops crank out runs at a pace that makes same-day marketing campaigns possible. The results don’t bleed or smear, even under summer sun or winter rain.
Dentists and nail salons both keep UV lamps on standby because of HDDA’s quick reaction under UV light. In the dentist’s chair, dentists rely on composite resins blended with HDDA. One quick flash of the curing lamp and the filling sets rock hard, letting the patient chew gum long before supper. Nail techs trust similar chemistry for sturdy, glossy gel nails. There’s pressure to keep customers safe from irritation, so the raw ingredients, HDDA included, must meet tight purity standards.
Even a behind-the-scenes role carries responsibility. Handling acrylates like HDDA takes care, as skin contact or inhaling vapor can cause irritation. Stories from colleagues who work with raw monomers prove proper gloves, ventilation, and training still matter. Most side reactions show up where someone cut corners, tried to rush, or skipped personal protection. Regulations stay tight for a reason.
The shift toward greener chemistry raises the question of what happens once an object coated or cured with HDDA wears out. Some packaging and furniture end up in landfills, where breaking down acrylate polymers gets tricky. That challenge gives scientists a reason to develop new molecules—materials that balance strength with easier recycling. HDDA plays a big part in what makes things tough and glossy, but the push is on for chemistry that doesn’t leave a long tail.
Rich with promise but not without its downsides, HDDA shows up anywhere speed, finish, and resilience matter. Keeping its future safe relies on honest safety practices, curiosity for alternatives, and not taking shortcuts when working with the raw stuff.
Hexanediol diacrylate, or HDDA, isn’t a household name. Still, it shows up often in industrial and commercial applications—especially in the making of polymers, plastics, coatings, and inks. As with many chemical compounds used for manufacturing, HDDA shouldn’t be underestimated when it comes to safety. Direct contact can irritate the skin and eyes. Breathing in its fumes over time may set off headaches, dizziness, and even more severe respiratory problems. Some health agencies label it a potential skin sensitizer, which means repeated exposure leads to allergic reactions in certain people.
Having spent years working around photopolymers and knowing more than a few folks in the coatings industry, the risks from handling HDDA feel very real. It’s easy to shrug off the notion that something clear and unassuming could really be that hazardous—until you see someone come away with raw, red hands or stinging eyes from just a splash.
Safety starts with proper gear. Nitrile gloves prove effective at keeping HDDA off the skin; latex tears too easily and doesn’t hold up. Safety goggles or a face shield protect the eyes from accidental splashes. In busier production settings, long sleeves, lab coats, and closed-toe shoes stay mandatory. I once watched a coworker get a rash on his wrists just from rolling his sleeves up for a minute—any direct contact carries consequences.
Respiratory protection depends on ventilation. In small operations, opening windows and using local exhaust hoods cut down fumes. In plants or labs with poor airflow, respirators rated for organic vapors often become necessary. It pays to check that the filters work—dust can clog them quickly.
Good habits make the difference. Pouring HDDA slowly and carefully reduces splashing. Pour over trays or secondary containers—spills on hard floors get slippery fast and turn into a cleanup headache. Keeping the work area tidy helps control hazards.
HDDA should live in tightly sealed containers. This keeps the substance from picking up moisture, and it keeps fumes from leaking out into work areas. Drums and jugs labeled clearly help avoid mistakes, especially during hectic shifts. Storage should always be cool, dry, and away from sunlight or heat sources: HDDA reacts under ultraviolet light, and temperatures over 30°C sometimes trigger slow, unwanted polymerization.
Mixing HDDA with other chemicals without proper knowledge introduces new risks—especially materials that promote curing. Compatible containers, ideally made from polyethylene or stainless steel, make a safer choice than reactive plastics or unknown metals.
Even careful work sometimes gets upended by drops and spills. Spill kits with absorbent pads, neutralizers, and a stack of disposable rags offer peace of mind. If skin contact happens, a thorough rinse with soap and water comes first—no shortcuts. Eyes need an immediate flush at the eyewash station for at least 15 minutes. Reports say medical attention should follow, especially if irritation lingers, since some effects only show up hours later.
Fire safety also plays a role. Although HDDA doesn’t light up easily, it adds fuel to fires already burning. Having chemical foam or dry powder extinguishers nearby helps if hot work like welding goes on.
The most effective way to cut risks comes down to training and attitude. Questions about safety get answered with real-world examples so people remember them. I’ve seen teams drill emergency procedures every month. In these environments, folks feel empowered to call out unsafe behaviors, and processes improve fast.
By treating HDDA with the respect it deserves, accidents drop, illnesses stay rare, and everyone goes home in the same shape they showed up. It’s not paranoia; it’s just the right way to get the job done.
Hexanediol diacrylate, usually shortened to HDDA, pops up in a lot of technical discussions across materials science and industrial chemistry. At first glance, its name sounds a bit like a tongue-twister, but the chemistry on display is straightforward and practical. Chemically, HDDA has the formula C10H14O4. The structure can be drawn out like this: CH2=CHCOO(CH2)6OOCCH=CH2. HDDA’s core consists of a straight six-carbon chain (hexanediol) capped on both ends with acrylate groups. This setup allows it to build strong links in polymer networks, especially with UV-curing, making it crucial in coatings and inks.
HDDA carries a molecular weight of about 198.22 g/mol. Molecular weight might sound like a piece of trivia, but it tells chemists a lot about how a molecule behaves. Smaller molecules like HDDA slide into formulations without making a mess out of viscosity or flow. This is helpful in manufacturing settings where speed, finish, and repeatability matter. Lighter, simple molecules bring flexibility and reactivity to the table—two traits needed for the tight timelines and intricate work that go hand-in-hand with advanced coatings.
The popularity of HDDA isn’t an accident. Its structure, with those terminal acrylate groups, encourages cross-linking in polymerization reactions, leading to tough and resilient products. Using a straight carbon chain as the backbone reduces branching and side reactions, which means a cleaner, more predictable end product. From a professional perspective, nothing frustrates a chemist or manufacturer more than unpredictability. The dual acrylate functionality practically guarantees that networks form efficiently, so surface coatings withstand abrasion and chemicals better. This isn’t abstract theory—the difference shows up in the durability of flooring, wood coatings, and adhesives. Walk across a high-gloss floor in a shopping mall; odds are good that HDDA was at work behind the scenes.
Whenever I’ve run trials or watched colleagues troubleshoot on the factory floor, the difference a simple yet finely tuned molecule makes jumps right out. HDDA often wins out over other cross-linkers because it delivers on several fronts: manageable viscosity, fast curing, and compatibility with additives that adjust everything from gloss to hardness. Chemists love this kind of flexibility—it means a formulator can aim for low emissions or higher scratch resistance by tinkering, not overhauling the base recipe.
No discussion is complete without touching on the bigger impacts. Acrylates, including HDDA, aren’t risk-free. Repeated exposure can lead to skin sensitization or respiratory irritation. Safe handling and ventilation are critical—industry organizations like the American Chemistry Council stress the importance of gloves, goggles, and enclosed processing. From a regulatory perspective, Europe’s REACH database and the US EPA both keep a close eye on monomers like this. Across many plants, investment in local exhaust and air filtration systems marks real progress.
Sustainability matters too. Chemical producers keep searching for alternatives with minimized environmental impact or renewable sourcing, but right now, HDDA still tops the list for performance in many demanding coatings applications. Some research groups experiment with bio-based diacrylates as substitutes, but they have to climb a tough hill to match HDDA’s speed and toughness. Every step forward—lower emissions, smarter recycling, safer processes—starts with understanding why these molecules matter.
Experience in the chemical industry has taught me the value of careful storage—especially with substances like 1,6-Hexanediol Diacrylate (HDDA). Many overlook storage details, but ignoring them can trigger chemical reactions or even health risks. Mishandling HDDA doesn't just put products at risk; it can create serious workplace hazards. Skin and eye irritation, the risk of polymerization, and volatile vapors aren’t issues to gloss over.
HDDA carries some specific storage challenges. Its chemical structure makes it sensitive to light and heat, which can encourage unwanted polymerization. Once that starts, the material hardens, becomes useless, or unpredictable. Vapors from HDDA may irritate the eyes and respiratory tract. Leaks or spills, if left unchecked, force expensive cleanup and increase exposure risks.
Statistical data from workplace safety bodies reinforce these points. In research compiled by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, improper storage ranked as a leading source of industrial chemical incidents. Most of these incidents could have been avoided through better containment and environmental controls.
Let’s start with temperature. HDDA fares best in cool spaces—ideally below 25°C (77°F). Hotter rooms can set off unwanted reactions or accelerate evaporation. I’ve seen costs balloon from batches gone bad in summer months, just because a warehouse climate wasn’t properly managed.
Light exposure turns up another risk. Natural sunlight—especially UV—speed up the breakdown and polymerization process. Drums and containers do best away from windows, inside a shaded, well-ventilated area. Opaque or UV-resistant storage bottles offer another layer of protection. Workers who take shortcuts, propping open doors to sunny warehouses, often learn the hard way why rules exist.
Air quality matters too. Open containers let humidity and oxygen in, both of which can kick off reactions. Always seal lids tightly after use, and try to decant only the amount needed for each job. My colleagues and I rely on nitrogen purging for larger drums, replacing air with an inert atmosphere.
HDDA should never sit on bare concrete or near heat sources like steam pipes or radiators. Use dedicated chemical storage cabinets—metal or high-density polyethylene work great. Separating HDDA from acids, bases, or oxidizers cuts down on accidental reactions. It takes only one overlooked bottle to spark a chain reaction, especially in crowded labs or storerooms.
Even the best storage setups mean nothing if workers ignore protective measures. Regular training helps staff recognize risks before they create problems. Gloves, goggles, and chemical-resistant aprons keep exposure under control. In my early career, I saw a single minor spill turn into a week-long shutdown because one person thought bare hands would “be fine.” Never worth the risk.
Routine checks catch problems before they snowball. Keep labels up to date and clearly visible. Periodic audits, a written chemical inventory, and buddy systems for handling HDDA work better than any fancy technology alone. If you spot yellowing, thickening, or cloudiness in a container, set it aside and consult safety data sheets before moving it.
This is more than just following rules. Proper storage of HDDA means fewer accidents, less waste, and people who go home safe at the end of every shift.
Hexanediol diacrylate, often called HDDA in the industry, brings a punch with its low viscosity and fast cure. I remember using it in UV-curable coatings, especially on hot summer days where you pray for a smooth application. HDDA gets poured in because it boosts crosslinking and leaves the cured product hard—sometimes almost too hard.
Formulators often reach for HDDA to dial up the crosslink density, but the story never ends there. You have all sorts of acrylates on the shelf: TMPTA, EOTA, IBOTA, and the list goes on. Each one acts a little differently with HDDA—sometimes they bring flexibility, sometimes they slow down cure. The trick involves understanding how these acrylates actually react together when the lamps click on.
Let me give you an example. Combining HDDA with a trifunctional acrylate like TMPTA leads to high reactivity and a hard, chemical-resistant film. Yet stack too much HDDA into softer oligomers or monoacrylates, the cured product edges toward being brittle. So, HDDA plays well with others, but how well depends on what you want your final product to feel like in the hand or under the wheel of a production line.
Successful formulations in inks, adhesives, and 3D printing demands more than just mixing. HDDA holds up in many blends, but you don’t want unreacted monomer leaching out or sticky pockets in your product. The balance often comes down to the molecular structure of the other acrylates. For instance, longer chain or flexible monomers soften the cured network, countering HDDA’s tendency to over-harden. You start seeing shrinkage and microcracks when that balance gets ignored, and I’ve seen jobs redone because an assumption didn’t hold up under the UV lamp.
Not all acrylate monomers share the same affinities with HDDA. Multifunctional monomers with steric hindrance sometimes slow the cure, while mono-functional monomers thin down the blend. Odd things crop up: some blends thicken overnight, viscosity jumps, and you have a batch that won’t even pour the next day. Aromatic monomers can bring yellowing over time, and not every customer wants their white coatings turning cream in six months.
Reactivity ratios give clues, but real-world testing sorts the truth from the guesswork. For example, adding a bit of HDDA to a base of EGDMA will often snap cure time in half—though you may need to bake off tacky spots by adjusting photoinitiator. Too much HDDA in a flexible system and you trade off all the toughness you came for.
HDDA generally stores well when dry and cool, but blend it with some highly functional acrylates, and you have to watch for gelation at room temperature. Many formulators learn this by losing an expensive drum to a solid mass. Personal experience and technical bulletins suggest mixing fresh before use and running stability trials—never just relying on supplier technical datasheets.
The final word lies in testing. Bench chemists earn their keep by running control blends and seeing what sets fastest, what stays flexible, and what holds up in the weather. HDDA stands out for its speed and hardness, but pairing it with other acrylates takes experience, patience, and a willingness to scrap a batch if it cures wrong. The payoff? Products that cure faster, last longer, and perform for the customer. That’s not just theory—that’s every day in the formulation lab.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | hexane-1,6-diyl di(propenoate) |
| Other names |
Hexanediol diacrylate
1,6-Hexanediol diacrylate 1,6-Bis(acryloyloxy)hexane HDDA |
| Pronunciation | /ˌhɛk.sænˈdaɪ.ɒl ˌdaɪ.əˈkraɪ.leɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 13048-33-4 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1100584 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:87154 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1406173 |
| ChemSpider | 2075761 |
| DrugBank | DB16640 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03d8d9da-4021-43bb-90da-c8e484b8f6f3 |
| EC Number | 203-653-1 |
| Gmelin Reference | 369344 |
| KEGG | C11497 |
| MeSH | D03.633.400.350.500.250 |
| PubChem CID | 13023 |
| RTECS number | MO8200000 |
| UNII | OI3P7SZWGJ |
| UN number | UN No. 1866 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C12H18O4 |
| Molar mass | 226.29 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Odor | Faint acrylic odor |
| Density | 1.003 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Slightly soluble |
| log P | -0.1 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.03 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 13.01 (Predicted) |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.9e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4460 |
| Viscosity | 15-20 mPa·s (25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.29 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 298.3 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -570.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3131 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | **GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H317, H319, H411 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P261, P272, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P333+P313, P362+P364, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-2-2-0 |
| Flash point | > 108°C (226°F) |
| Autoignition temperature | > 225 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (Rat, oral): 5,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Rat oral 5,500 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | # 1083 |
| PEL (Permissible) | No PEL established. |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.5-1.5 |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | No IDLH established. |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Butanediol diacrylate
Trimethylolpropane triacrylate Ethylene glycol diacrylate Neopentyl glycol diacrylate Polyethylene glycol diacrylate |
