From low-VOC coatings to high-performance 3D printing – the versatile oxetane solutions that formulators trust
In the era of low-VOC, green UV curing, oxetane monomers have emerged as essential building blocks for cationic polymerization systems. With their unique four-membered cyclic ether structure, oxetanes deliver high reactivity, low odor, low shrinkage, and excellent adhesion – advantages that traditional epoxy resins often struggle to match.
Sinepoxy® CER-101 OXT and Sinepoxy® CER-221 OXT are two complementary oxetane monomers designed to address different formulation challenges in cationic UV-curable coatings, inks, adhesives, and 3D printing materials. Whether you need flexibility and dilution power or high crosslink density and chemical resistance, this duo has you covered.
Oxetanes are four-membered cyclic ethers that polymerize rapidly under cationic UV initiation. Compared to conventional epoxy-based systems, oxetane monomers offer:
Low viscosity – effective reactive diluents that reduce formulation viscosity without sacrificing performance
Fast curing – higher polymerization rates than epoxy compounds
Low shrinkage – minimal volume change during polymerization for excellent dimensional stability
Low odor and low toxicity – safer handling and better user experience
No oxygen inhibition – surface cure is not affected by atmospheric oxygen
Dark cure capability – post-irradiation polymerization continues to build properties
Sinepoxy® CER-101 OXT (3-Ethyl-3-oxetanemethanol, CAS 3047-32-3) is a monofunctional oxetane monomer featuring a reactive hydroxyl group (-OH) in its molecular structure. This unique combination of an oxetane ring and a primary hydroxyl group provides exceptional formulation flexibility.
Chemical Name: 3-Ethyl-3-oxetanemethanol
CAS No.: 3047-32-3
Molecular Structure:
Powerful dilution capability – significantly reduces formulation viscosity and improves processing flow
Enhanced UV reactivity – accelerates surface cure speed and tack-free time
Excellent film flexibility – imparts superior bending and folding resistance to cured films
Hydroxyl functionality – acts as a chain transfer agent in cationic systems, accelerating cure speed
Low surface tension – improves leveling of paints, inks, and coatings
Good substrate wetting – enhances adhesion to various substrates
UV coatings requiring flexibility and low viscosity
UV inks with high pigment loading
UV adhesives needing good flow and wetting
SLA 3D printing resins
As a reactive diluent in cationic epoxy systems
Sinepoxy® CER-221 OXT (3,3'-(Oxybis(methylene))bis(3-ethyloxetane), CAS 18934-00-4) is a difunctional oxetane monomer designed for high-performance cationic UV systems requiring rapid cure and high crosslink density.
Chemical Name: 3,3'-(Oxybis(methylene))bis(3-ethyloxetane)
CAS No.: 18934-00-4
Molecular Structure:
Bifunctional reactivity – two oxetane rings per molecule for high crosslinking efficiency
Fast curing speed – rapid polymerization for high-throughput production
High crosslink density – delivers superior hardness and chemical resistance
Low viscosity – excellent reactive diluent for epoxy resin systems
Low shrinkage – dimensional stability in precision applications
Excellent adhesion – strong bonding to diverse substrates
Chemical and heat resistance – cured films withstand aggressive environments
High-performance UV coatings requiring hardness and durability
Chemical-resistant coatings
UV adhesives demanding high bond strength
3D printing materials with excellent mechanical properties
Optical films and electronic encapsulation materials
Heat-resistant resin systems
| Property | Sinepoxy® CER-101 OXT | Sinepoxy® CER-221 OXT |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | Monofunctional | Difunctional |
| CAS No. | 3047-32-3 | 18934-00-4 |
| Molecular Weight | 116.16 g/mol | 214.31 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid | Colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Viscosity @ 25°C | ≤ 25.0 cP | ≤ 15.0 cP |
| Purity (GC) | ≥ 98% | ≥ 98% |
| Water Content | ≤ 0.1% | ≤ 0.1% |
| Color (Pt-Co) | ≤ 50 | ≤ 40 |
| Primary Benefit | Flexibility & dilution | Crosslinking & hardness |
| Best Application | Flexible films, inks, adhesives | Hard coatings, chemical-resistant systems |
| Application | CER-101 OXT | CER-221 OXT |
|---|---|---|
| UV Coatings | ✅ Flexible, low-viscosity systems | ✅ Hard, chemical-resistant coatings |
| UV Inks | ✅ Excellent pigment wetting | ✅ Fast-curing, high-durability inks |
| UV Adhesives | ✅ Good flow and adhesion | ✅ High-strength structural bonds |
| 3D Printing (SLA) | ✅ Flexible resin components | ✅ Rigid, high-strength parts |
| Optical Films | ✅ Clarity and flexibility | ✅ Hardness and scratch resistance |
| Electronic Encapsulation | ✅ Low stress, good adhesion | ✅ Chemical and heat resistance |
Proven performance – chemically equivalent to industry benchmarks (OXT-101 / OXT-221)
Versatile solutions – two complementary products covering flexibility and crosslinking needs
High purity – ≥ 98% assay with tight quality control
Low toxicity profile – safer alternative to many conventional monomers
Reliable supply – consistent quality with full technical support
Cost-effective – competitive pricing without compromising performance
CER-101 OXT is ideal as a reactive diluent when you need to reduce viscosity while maintaining flexibility. Its hydroxyl group also accelerates cationic cure through chain transfer.
CER-221 OXT is the go-to choice when you need fast cure, high crosslink density, and chemical resistance. Its difunctionality builds robust polymer networks.
For optimal performance, these monomers can be used in combination with each other or with epoxy resins in cationic photocuring systems.
Q1: What is the difference between CER-101 and CER-221?
A: CER-101 is a monofunctional oxetane with a hydroxyl group, offering excellent dilution capability and film flexibility. CER-221 is a difunctional oxetane that provides higher crosslink density, faster cure, and superior hardness and chemical resistance.
Q2: Are these products direct replacements for OXT-101 and OXT-221?
A: Yes. Sinepoxy® CER-101 OXT and CER-221 OXT are chemically equivalent to OXT-101 and OXT-221, offering the same performance with the added benefits of reliable supply and competitive pricing.
Q3: What curing systems are these monomers compatible with?
A: Both monomers are designed for cationic UV curing systems. They can be used with cationic photoinitiators (such as iodonium or sulfonium salts) and are compatible with epoxy resins and other oxetane monomers.
Q4: Do oxetane monomers suffer from oxygen inhibition?
A: No. One of the key advantages of cationic UV curing is that it is not inhibited by oxygen, ensuring thorough surface cure even in air.
Q5: What is the recommended storage condition?
A: Store in a dry, clean, well-ventilated warehouse, protected from light and heat. Shelf life is 12 months in the original unopened container.
Q6: What are the typical addition levels?
A: Typical usage ranges from 5% to 40% of total formulation, depending on the desired viscosity, reactivity, and mechanical properties. We recommend small-scale trials to determine optimal dosage.
Q7: Are these products suitable for food contact applications?
A: Please contact our technical team to discuss specific regulatory compliance requirements for your intended application and region.
Request samples, TDS, or formulation support: info@sinocurechem.com
Web: www.sinocurechem.com
Tel:+86 15668330235
Sinocure Chemical Group – Your trusted partner for specialty monomers and UV/EB curing raw materials.
