MBF (CAS 15206-55-0)
| CAS No. | 15206-55-0 |
|---|---|
| Alias | Methyl Benzoylformate |
| Category | Photoinitiators |
| Purity | ≥99.00% (HPLC) |
| Packaging | 25kg/pail |
MBF is a general-purpose free radical photoinitiator with high reactivity, low odor and very low yellowing. It is suitable for materials in direct contact with the human body, as well as high-performance transparent coatings requiring excellent surface curing, stain resistance and good handle. The recommended dosage is 3–5% by weight of the formulation.
Equivalent grades. The same substance is sold by other manufacturers as Omnirad MBF, Genocure MBF. It is the same CAS number (15206-55-0) and the same chemistry, so a formulation written around one of those grades transfers directly.
Introduction
MBF is a liquid alpha-keto ester, and its selling points are the ones that are hardest to get simultaneously: very low yellowing, low odour, and good surface cure. It absorbs at 255 and 325 nm, so it suits mercury lamps and 365 nm LEDs rather than longer-wavelength arrays.
Surface cure is where it performs best. Coatings that need to come out dry to the touch and stay clear, without the yellow cast that some initiators leave behind, are the natural application. Its low odour also makes it relevant where the cured article will be handled or used near people.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Light yellow transparent liquid. Molecular formula C9H8O3, molecular weight 164.16, purity ≥99.00% by HPLC. Liquid at room temperature, so no melting range applies. Absorption maxima at 255 nm and 325 nm.
Applications
Recommended at 3–5% by weight. Suited to high-performance transparent coatings requiring excellent surface curing, stain resistance and good handle. Being a liquid it doses easily and disperses readily.
Regulatory status
MBF has no harmonised classification under CLP and is not on the REACH Candidate List. It is not listed in Swiss Annex 10, and it is not a listed indirect food additive in the United States.
On food contact we would rather be precise than encouraging. MBF's low odour and low yellowing make it attractive for packaging-adjacent work, but attractive is not the same as evaluated. Migration performance depends on the film weight, the substrate and the cure conditions of your specific construction, and it has to be measured rather than assumed. If your application is food contact, tell us the construction and we will tell you what data we can supply and what you will need to generate yourself.
Handling & Storage
Store in a tightly closed container, cool and away from light. Consult the SDS.
Packaging
Standard packaging as agreed at order. COA per batch, SDS in English.
Applications & Industries
Coatings & Paints
Metal driers (cobalt, manganese, zirconium octoate, naphthenates) and photoinitiators for coatings, paints, varnishes and industrial finishes — with COA & MSDS per batch.
UV Curing & Printing Inks
Free radical photoinitiators for UV-curable inks, coatings, adhesives and 3D printing — 1173, 184, 369, 907, ITX, DETX, TPO/TPO-L and liquid blends, QC-tested per batch.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
MOQ depends on the product and specification. For most chemicals we can supply from 1 kg sample orders up to full container loads (FCL). Contact us with the product name and CAS number for a specific MOQ quotation.
Can you provide samples before I place a bulk order?
Yes. Samples are available for most products — typically 100g to 1kg. Sample fees may apply for expensive products and are usually deducted from your first bulk order. We recommend independent testing of samples before committing to bulk.
What documents do you provide with each shipment?
Every shipment includes a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA), MSDS/SDS, commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading. Certificates of origin, REACH/SVHC declarations and third-party inspection reports are available on request.
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