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MEHQ (CAS – 150-76-5)

Overview of MEHQ



MEHQ, also known as 4-Methoxyphenol or hydroquinone monomethyl ether, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₇H₈O₂. It is characterized by its white crystalline appearance and slight phenolic odor. Its primary function is as an effective polymerization inhibitor, antioxidant, and intermediate in the synthesis of various chemicals.

With a CAS number 150-76-5, MEHQ is extensively used in industries where controlling polymerization and oxidative degradation is critical. Its unique chemical structure allows it to act as a stabilizer for reactive monomers and intermediates, ensuring product integrity during manufacturing, storage, and transportation.

General Information


Sr.No.TestSpecificationTest Method
1AppearanceWhite flakesVisual
2Solubility– Slightly soluble in water
– Soluble in alcohol
Solubility at 20°C in 100g of solvent
3Colour (APHA) (50% in acetone)40 Max.Lovibond Nesslerizer
4Melting Point54 to 56°CMelting Point Apparatus
5Purity99.5% Min.GC
6Hydroquinone0.05% Max.GC
71,4-Dimethoxybenzene0.05% Max.GC
8GuaiacolNILGC
9Moisture0.10% Max.Karl Fischer
10Iron (Fe)5 ppm Max.Thiocyanate Method
11Residue on Ignition0.01% Max.Sulfated Ash test


Key Technical Properties & Applications


  • Polymerization Inhibition:
    • Used as an effective stabilizer to prevent unwanted polymerization in monomers such as acrylates, methacrylate, styrene, and vinyl acetate.
    • Acts as a free-radical scavenger, ensuring controlled processing and extended shelf life of monomers and resins.

  • Antioxidant Activity:
    • Protects organic materials, including plastics, coatings, and rubber, from oxidative degradation.
    • Enhances the stability of chemicals in adhesives, inks, and fuel additives.

  • UV Absorption:
    • Absorbs ultraviolet light, making it an effective additive in photographic chemicals, coatings, and UV-sensitive formulations.
    • Contributes to light stabilization in specialty polymers.

  • Reactivity & Compatibility:
    • Reacts with free radicals to enhance the stabilization of resins, adhesives, and monomer storage solutions.
    • Compatible with a variety of solvents, including alcohols, ketones, and hydrocarbons.

  • Thermal Stability & Handling Precautions:
    • Remains thermally stable under moderate temperature conditions. However, exposure to high heat and oxidizing agents should be avoided.
    • Recommended to handle with protective gloves and goggles and use in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation exposure.


Applications of MEHQ (CAS – 150-76-5)


MEHQ (CAS – 150-76-5) is a highly versatile compound, making it valuable across multiple industries. Its primary applications include:

  1. Polymerization Inhibitor
    MEHQ (CAS – 150-76-5) prevents unwanted polymerization in reactive monomers like acrylates, methacrylates, styrene, and vinyl acetate. Essential in plastics, resins, and coatings, it ensures material stability during production and storage. By controlling reactions, MEHQ enhances product safety, quality, and shelf life while minimizing the risk of degradation.

  2. Intermediate in Chemical Synthesis
    MEHQ is a key component in producing pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. Its controlled reactivity enhances the stability of antioxidants, dyes, and fine chemicals, ensuring precision in synthesis. In pharmaceutical applications, it plays a vital role in formulating active ingredients, making it indispensable for industrial processes.

  3. Antioxidants in Personal Care Products
    MEHQ (CAS – 150-76-5) enhances the stability of cosmetics and personal care products by preventing oxidation. It safeguards active ingredients, ensuring long-lasting effectiveness in skincare, haircare, and beauty formulations. Found in creams, lotions, hair dyes, and sunscreens, MEHQ preserves color, texture, and quality against environmental damage.

  4. Stabilizer in Adhesives, Sealants, and Coatings
    MEHQ acts as a crucial stabilizer, preventing polymerization and oxidation in adhesives, sealants, and coatings. It helps maintain structural integrity, ensuring strong adhesion and long-lasting protection, even in high-temperature and UV-exposed environments.

  5. Use in Photographic Chemicals
    As a key stabilizer in developer solutions, MEHQ (CAS – 150-76-5) prevents oxidation, ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of photographic chemicals. This helps produce high-quality images with sharp details and consistent contrast, making it a crucial additive in the industry.

Benefits of Using MEHQ (CAS – 150-76-5)


MEHQ offers several advantages that make it a preferred choice across industries. The key benefits include:

Enhancing Polymer Stability with MEHQ

Preventing unwanted polymerization is critical in industrial processes, and MEHQ (CAS – 150-76-5) excels as a stabilizer. It safeguards monomers during production, storage, and transport, minimizing risks like hazardous reactions, material loss, and equipment damage, ensuring smooth operations.

High Chemical Stability

With exceptional resistance to environmental factors, MEHQ ensures reliability in industrial applications. Its stable composition minimizes degradation, extending product lifespan while lowering maintenance and replacement costs.

Versatile Applications

MEHQ serves diverse industries, including polymers, pharmaceuticals, personal care, adhesives, coatings, and photography. Its dual role as an inhibitor and intermediate enhances stability, efficiency, and product performance.

Antioxidant Benefits of MEHQ (CAS – 150-76-5)

MEHQ (CAS – 150-76-5) plays a crucial role in preventing oxidative degradation, ensuring the longevity and stability of various products. Its antioxidant properties make it an essential additive in industries where maintaining material integrity is vital. In personal care formulations, it helps preserve active ingredients, preventing deterioration caused by exposure to air and light. Similarly, in adhesives and coatings, MEHQ enhances durability by minimizing oxidation-induced degradation, ensuring consistent performance over time.


Cost-Effective and High-Performance Solution


MEHQ offers exceptional efficiency even at low concentrations, making it a highly economical choice for industrial applications. By effectively inhibiting polymerization and oxidation, it minimizes material waste, extends equipment lifespan, and lowers the risk of costly product recalls. Its ability to maintain stability and performance in various conditions further enhances its value as a reliable and cost-saving solution across multiple industries.

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