4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acrylate (TBCHA): Profile, Properties, and Material Insights

What is 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acrylate?

4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acrylate, known by its abbreviation TBCHA, emerges in modern material science as a specialized acrylate monomer. Many producers in coatings, adhesives, and advanced polymer industries look for TBCHA’s specific blend of structure and performance. Its chemical identity draws attention for applications that demand toughness, flexibility, and resistance to weathering, as its molecular design originates from the fusion of an acrylate group with the bulky, robust 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl ring. These two fragments give TBCHA its distinction among other acrylates, and lend it unique behaviors in polymers and formulations.

Chemical Formula, Structure, and Specifications

Chemically, TBCHA’s formula stands as C13H22O2. Parsing this down, the molecule features an acrylate ester attached to the 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl group, leading to a restrained linear structure with considerable steric bulk. In the lab, one glance at its structural diagram shows a six-membered cyclohexane ring sporting a bulky t-butyl group at the fourth carbon, all linked via an ester bond to the acrylate moiety. The result: a clear balance between rigidity from the ring and adaptability from the acrylate. This balance carries through to its function as a monomer for high-performance materials.

Physical Properties and Material Forms

In the warehouse, TBCHA arrives as a clear liquid or low-melting solid, offering some flexibility in how manufacturers handle it. Product forms like flakes, powdered solid, pearled granules, or viscous solutions in sealed drums depend on how producers process the raw material post-synthesis. The density of TBCHA typically ranges between 0.98 and 1.01 g/cm³, a nod to its cyclohexyl backbone and extra tert-butyl weight. Look closely and you’ll spot its refractive index just above 1.47, common for acrylate esters but with a twist from the unique ring structure. In refrigerated or room-temperature environments, the product remains stable, showing resistance to precipitation or crystallization in standard concentrations. In crystal or flake form, TBCHA reflects a white to pale yellow hue, depending on purity and residual solvent content.

Raw Material Status and Uses

Sourcing reliable raw materials matters. TBCHA often joins the roster for manufacturers building specialty coatings, UV-curable inks, and industrial adhesives. Factories value this chemical not just for its molecular features, but for the processability given its moderate viscosity and solid handling profile. It manages a narrow melting point range, maintaining reliable process flow whether used neat or as part of a blend. Its place on the raw materials shelf secures it as a go-to additive for supporting mechanical strength and weather resistance in finished goods, especially where surfaces will face abrasion, sunlight, or frequent cleaning. This practicality has brought TBCHA into mixing tanks around the world, from rigid plastics to elastic films.

HS Code and Regulatory Footprint

International trade classifies TBCHA under HS Code 2916.12, grouping this substance among acrylic esters recognized for broad industrial application. Customs and safety officers require accurate labeling, as the HS Code ensures clear identification for tariffs, import regulations, and compliance checks. For exporters, transparency about purity, material form—whether flake, powder, or liquid—and container shape remains necessary for smooth cross-border transit, given ongoing updates to chemical registration laws in key markets.

Hazardous Properties and Safe Handling

Practical experience shows that TBCHA, while sought for its chemical profile, needs careful handling due to its reactivity and health considerations. The ester group gives it moderate volatility, and inhalation or skin contact hazards crop up if workers operate without gloves or masks. Safety data puts TBCHA in the category of substances requiring clear labeling for eye and skin irritation, with ventilated storage and spill kits standard on any shop floor. Incompatibility with strong oxidizers or acids calls for proper segregation, risking exothermic reactions or toxic decomposition if ignored. On the environmental side, careful containment prevents run-off into wastewater, as its persistence and toxicity to aquatic life track with many specialty acrylates. Emergency measures emphasize eyewash stations and local exhaust, alongside robust training for new staff.

Importance and Solutions for Responsible Use

The technical and safety specifications tied to TBCHA raise questions that matter for both product quality and workplace health. Down-to-earth, practical knowledge from those running labs and production lines shows that advance planning on safe material transfer, waste handling, and emergency response keeps accidents rare. Investing in sealed delivery systems, regular air monitoring, and periodic retraining pays off, since overlooked details can turn a useful raw material into a hazard overnight. Waste management matters, too—partnering with reputable solvent recyclers and containment services ensures regulatory compliance and shields both workers and surrounding communities from harmful exposure. Ongoing research into safer acrylates and less hazardous co-monomers signals a long-term move toward sustainability, but responsible stewardship of existing raw materials like TBCHA builds a foundation of trust and reliability in complex supply networks.