• Product Overview: 2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone (CAS 7473-98-5)

    2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone (commonly known as Photoinitiator 1173 or Irgacure 1173) is a highly efficient, liquid Type I (cleavage-type) radical photoinitiator. It features a short-wavelength absorption peak at 268-280 nm and undergoes α-cleavage upon UV exposure to generate benzoyl and α-hydroxyalkyl radicals, initiating rapid polymerization . It is prized for its high efficiency, non-yellowing properties, low odor, and excellent solubility, making it the industry standard for UV-curable coatings, inks, and adhesives .

    Property Typical Value

    Appearance (23°C) Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid

    Purity (GC/HPLC) ≥97% – ≥99%

    Melting Point 4°C

    Boiling Point 80-81°C; 102-103°C/4 mmHg; 110°C/15 mmHg

    Flash Point 113 – 122°C (closed cup)

    Density (25°C) 1.077 g/mL

    Refractive Index (n20/D) 1.533

    Absorption Peak 268 – 280 nm

    Transmittance (425 nm) ≥98% (high-grade)

    Parameter Details

    IUPAC Name 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one

    Synonyms Photoinitiator 1173, Irgacure 1173, 2-Benzoyl-2-propanol, α-

    Hydroxy-α-methylpropiophenone

    EINECS/EC Number 231-272-0

    MDL Number MFCD00040710

    PubChem CID24865322

    InChI Key XMLYCEVDHLAQEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N9

    SMILES CC(C)(O)C(=O)c1ccccc1

    RTECS Number UC2977245

  • 2-Hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone is a versatile photoinitiator with applications spanning coatings, inks, adhesives, and advanced material synthesis :
    UV-curable clear coatings
    Overprint varnishes (OPV)
    Wood & furniture coatings
    Plastic coatings (automotive, electronics)
    Flexographic & screen inks
    Offset printing inks
    Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA)
    Laminating adhesives
    Stereolithography (3D printing resins)
    Photopolymer plates (flexography)
    Hydrogel synthesis (water-soluble derivatives)

    Storage Conditions

    emperature: Store at room temperature (15-25°C recommended); avoid excessive heat . Long-term storage in a cool, dark place (<15°C) is advised .

    Environment: Cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ignition sources .

    Container integrity: Keep tightly sealed when not in use; protect from moisture and light (light sensitive) .

    Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases .

    Shelf life: Minimum 24 months from manufacture date when stored properly under recommended conditions .

    Adhesives & 3D Printing
    In pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) and laminating adhesives, 1173 ensures rapid curing and strong bond formation . It is also a key component in photopolymer resins for stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing, enabling precise layer-by-layer curing ..
    Advanced Research Applications
    Recent studies utilize 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone in photochemical thiol-ene "click" chemistry for synthesizing highly functional polyols . It is also employed in developing water-soluble Type I photoinitiators for hydrogel synthesis and biomedical applications .
    Standard Packaging
    Laboratory R&D: 100g, 500g, 1kg bottles
    Industrial drums: 25 kg net plastic or fiber drums (standard)
    Bulk quantities: 200 kg drums, IBC totes, custom packaging available
    Coatings & Inks
    Photoinitiator 1173 is extensively used in clear and pigmented UV coatings for wood, plastics, paper, and metals. It provides fast surface and through-cure with minimal yellowing, making it ideal for overprint varnishes and high-quality industrial coatings . In printing inks, it enables high-speed curing for flexographic, screen, and offset applications .
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)