Methacrylic acid (2-Methyl-2-propenoic acid)

Chemical natures

Methacrylic acid, abbreviated MAA, is an organic compound. This colourless, viscous liquid is a carboxylic acid with an acrid unpleasant odor. It is soluble in warm water and miscible with most organic solvents. Methacrylic acid is produced industrially on a large scale as a precursor to its esters, especially methyl methacrylate (MMA) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The methacrylates have numerous uses, most notably in the manufacture of polymers with trade names such as Lucite and Plexiglas. MAA occurs naturally in small amounts in the oil of Roman chamomile.

Applications

Methacrylic acid is used in the manufacture of methacrylate resins and plastics. It is used as Monomer for large-volume resins and polymers, organic synthesis. Many of the polymers are based on esters of the acid, as the methyl, butyl, or isobutyl esters. Methacrylic acid and methacrylate esters are used to prepare a wide range of polymers [→ Polyacrylamides and Poly(Acrylic Acids), → Polymethacrylates]. Poly(methyl methacrylate) is the primary polymer in this category, and it provides water-clear, tough plastics that are used in sheet form in glazing, signs, displays, and lighting panels.

Physical form

Clear liquid

Hazard Class

8

Shelf life

According to our experience, the product can be stored for 12 months from the date of delivery if kept in tightly sealed containers, protected from light and heat and stored at temperatures between 5 - 30°C

Typical properties

Melting point

12-16 °C (lit.)

Boiling point

163 °C (lit.)

density

1.015 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)

vapor density

>3 (vs air)

vapor pressure

1 mm Hg ( 20 °C)

refractive index

n20/D 1.431(lit.)

Fp

170 °F

storage temp.

Store at +15°C to +25°C.