Camphorquinone Photoinitiator CAS 10373-78-1

Camphorquinone (DL-2,3-Bornanedione) – Versatile Photoinitiator for Dental and Electronic Applications

Basic Information

• Product Name: Camphorquinone (DL-Camphorquinone)

• CAS Number: 10373-78-1

• Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₄O₂

• Molecular Weight: 166.12 g/mol

• Density: 0.9817 g/cm³

• Melting Point: 197–203°C

• Solubility: Soluble in water and ethanol

• Appearance: Yellow to orange crystalline powder

• Packaging: 1 kg per bag, 25 kg per drum

Overview
Camphorquinone, also known as DL-2,3-bornanedione, is a well‑established photoinitiator and photosensitizer widely used in visible‑light curing systems. It absorbs light primarily in the blue‑visible region (around 470 nm), making it ideal for applications where UV light is undesirable or unsafe. Its low toxicity and high efficiency have made it the standard photoinitiator in dental restorative materials.

Mechanism of Action
Upon exposure to visible light (typically blue light at 400–500 nm), camphorquinone undergoes excitation and, in combination with an amine co‑initiator (e.g., tertiary amines), generates free radicals that initiate polymerization of methacrylate‑based resins. This allows rapid curing of dental composites in situ.

Applications

• Dental materials: Used as a photoinitiator in dental composites, restorative materials, enamel repair agents, sealants, adhesives, and surgical molding materials.

• Electronics: Applied in the manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCBs), encapsulation of optoelectronic devices, photoresists, holographic materials, and recording media (copiers, fax machines).

• Polymers: Used in the production of photodegradable ethylene polymers and other light‑sensitive materials.

• Coatings and inks: Employed in visible‑light‑curable coatings and printing inks where UV curing is impractical.

Key Benefits

• Effective visible‑light photoinitiator – safe for human exposure.

• Low toxicity – suitable for medical and dental applications.

• Good solubility in common monomers and solvents.

• High photoreactivity with amine co‑initiators.

• Stable under normal storage conditions.

Recommended Use
Typically used at 0.2–2% by weight in dental resin systems, in combination with a co‑initiator (e.g., ethyl 4‑(dimethylamino)benzoate – EDMAB). The optimal ratio varies with the formulation.

Handling and Storage

• Store in a cool, dry, dark place, away from light and heat.

• Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent oxidation and moisture absorption.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles) when handling.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is analyzed for purity (by HPLC), melting point, and color to ensure consistent performance in critical applications.