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MAA (METHACRYLIC ACID)

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is colourless, viscous liquid is a carboxylic acid with an acrid unpleasant odor. 
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is soluble in warm water and miscible with most organic solvents. 
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is produced industrially on a large scale as a precursor to its esters, especially methyl methacrylate (MMA) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). 

CAS Number: 79-41-4
Molecular Formula: C4H6O2
Molecular Weight: 86.09
EINECS Number: 201-204-4

Synonyms: N-(isopropylacrylamide)methacrylic acid copolymer, NIPAM-MAA copolymer, P(NIPAM-co-MAA), 2-methylprop-2-enoic acid;N-propan-2-ylprop-2-enamide (copolymer), Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid), PNIPAM-co-PMAA, Thermo-/pH-responsive copolymer, .alpha.-Methylacrylicacid;2-Methyl-2-propenoic acid;2-methyl-2-Propenoicacid;Methacrylic acid, 99.5%, stabilized, extra pure;Methacrylic acid, stabilized, extra pure;Methacrylic acid,99.5%,extra pure,stabilized;Methacrylic acid, 99+%, stab. with 250ppm 4-methoxyphenol;Methacrylic Acid, Stab. With 250Ppm 4-Methoxyphenol

MAA (Methacrylic Acid), is an organic compound. 
The methacrylates have numerous uses, most notably in the manufacture of polymers with trade names such as Lucite and Plexiglas. 
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) occurs naturally in small amounts in the oil of Roman chamomile.

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is an unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer with the IUPAC name 2-methylprop-2-enoic acid and the molecular formula C₄H₆O₂ (CAS No. 79-41-4).
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is widely used in polymer and copolymer synthesis because its vinyl double bond readily undergoes free-radical polymerization.
At the same time, the carboxylic acid (–COOH) group provides pH sensitivity, ionic interaction capability, and increased hydrophilicity to the resulting polymers.

For this reason, MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is commonly incorporated into smart hydrogels, drug delivery systems, ion-exchange materials, surface-functional coatings, and adhesion-promoting formulations.
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is especially valuable in copolymers where controlled swelling, charge density, and surface reactivity are required.
The presence of MAA units also improves compatibility with metal ions and polar substrates in composite and coating applications.

However, MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is classified as a corrosive and irritating substance that can cause severe skin and eye burns and respiratory tract irritation.
Exposure to vapors may lead to coughing and breathing discomfort, particularly in poorly ventilated environments.
Therefore, it must be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment and stored under controlled conditions to minimize health risks.

MAA (Methacrylic Acid), is an organic compound with the formula CH2=C(CH3)CO2H. 
This colorless, viscous liquid is a carboxylic acid with an acrid unpleasant odor. 
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is soluble in warm water and miscible with most organic solvents. 

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is produced industrially on a large scale as a precursor to its esters, especially methyl methacrylate (MMA), and to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).
In the most common route, MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is prepared from acetone cyanohydrin, which is converted to methacrylamide sulfate using sulfuric acid. 
This derivative in turn is hydrolyzed to MAA (Methacrylic Acid), or esterified to methyl methacrylate in one step. 

Another route to MAA (Methacrylic Acid) starts with isobutylene, which obtainable by dehydration of tert-butanol. 
Isobutylene is oxidized sequentially to methacrolein and then MAA (Methacrylic Acid). 
Methacrolein for this purpose can also be obtained from formaldehyde and ethylene. 

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) also plays an important role in tuning the mechanical properties of copolymers and hydrogels.
By increasing the MAA (Methacrylic Acid) content, the polymer network becomes stiffer due to stronger intermolecular interactions and possible ionic crosslinking.
This allows researchers to precisely control elasticity, tensile strength, and swelling resistance.

In biomedical applications, MAA (Methacrylic Acid)-containing polymers are often used to improve cell adhesion and biocompatibility.
The carboxyl groups can be further functionalized with bioactive molecules such as peptides or growth factors.
This makes these materials suitable for tissue engineering scaffolds and biointerfaces.

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is also used in emulsion and suspension polymerization processes to stabilize polymer particles.
The ionizable groups at the particle surface enhance electrostatic stabilization in aqueous dispersions.
This property is particularly useful in latex production and water-based coating formulations.

From a safety and environmental perspective, MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is biodegradable under certain conditions but can be harmful to aquatic organisms at high concentrations.
Industrial wastewater containing MAA must therefore be treated before discharge.
Proper handling and waste management are required to reduce environmental impact.

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.)
Flash point : 170 °F
Storage temperature : Store at +15 °C to +25 °C
Solubility : Chloroform, Methanol (slightly)
Form : Liquid
pKa : pK₁ = 4.66 (25 °C)
Color : Clear
pH : 2.0–2.2 (100 g/L, H₂O, 20 °C)
Odor : Repulsive
Viscosity : 1.36 mm²/s
Explosive limits : 1.6–8.7 % (v/v)
Water solubility : 9.7 g/100 mL (20 °C)
Sensitivity : Moisture & light sensitive
Merck index : 14,5941
BRN : 1719937
Exposure limits : TLV-TWA 20 ppm (≈70 mg/m³) (ACGIH)

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is a colorless, moderately volatile, corrosive liquid with a strongly acrid odor. 
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) was first prepared in 1865 from ethyl methacrylate, in turn obtained by dehydration of ethyl α-hydroxyisobutyrate.
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is an alpha,beta-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid that is acrylic acid in which the hydrogen at position 2 is substituted by a methyl group. 

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is functionally related to an acrylic acid. 
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is a conjugate acid of a methacrylate.
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) can readily form salts and esters, which are important intermediates in the production of methacrylate polymers and specialty resins.

Ester derivatives such as methyl methacrylate are key monomers for producing transparent and impact-resistant plastics.
The acid form, however, is preferred when ionic functionality and pH responsiveness are required in the polymer structure.
In aqueous environments, the carboxylic acid group of MAA (Methacrylic Acid) can dissociate depending on pH, leading to changes in polymer swelling and chain conformation.

This ionization behavior is the main reason why MAA (Methacrylic Acid)-containing polymers are widely used in controlled drug release and biosensing systems.
Such pH-dependent behavior allows materials to respond selectively to biological or environmental conditions.
From a materials engineering perspective, MAA (Methacrylic Acid) improves adhesion between polymer coatings and metallic or oxide surfaces.

The –COOH groups can interact with surface hydroxyl groups through hydrogen bonding or coordination interactions.
This property is particularly useful in corrosion-resistant coatings, composite interfaces, and surface modification of nanoparticles.
Industrial production of MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is commonly based on the oxidation of isobutylene or tert-butanol through multi-step catalytic processes.

These processes are designed to achieve high selectivity while minimizing by-product formation.
Because of its large-scale production, MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is widely available and relatively cost-effective for industrial polymer synthesis.
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) appears as a clear colorless liquid (or low-melting solid) with a pungent odor. 

May polymerize exothermically if heated or contaminated. 
If the polymerization takes place inside a container, the container may rupture violently. 
The main use of MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is its polymerization to poly(methyl methacrylate).

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is used in some nail primers to help acrylic nails adhere to the nail plate.
Copolymers consisting partially of MAA (Methacrylic Acid) are used in certain types of tablet coatings in order to slow the tablet's dissolution in the digestive tract, and thus extend or delay the release of the active ingredient.
Monocarboxylic unsaturated acids such as MAA (Methacrylic Acid) and acrylic acid are used in the production of vinyl ester resins.

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) esters occur naturally in the oil of Roman chamomile.
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is a functional monomer and an unsaturated monocarboxylic acid. 
It reacts as both a vinyl compound and a carboxylic acid. 

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) readily undergoes polymerization and addition reactions. 
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) copolymers can be prepared with acrylic and methacrylic esters, acrylonitrile, maleic acid esters, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, styrene, butadiene, ethylene, and other monomers.
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) distributed by DKSH is methacrylic acid. 

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) exhibits hardness, clarity, color compatibility, toughness, weatherability, internal plasticization and flexibility.
It is used in vinyl ester, NB latex and unsaturated polyester resin.

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is formed via the acetone cyanohydrin (ACH) route to manufacturing MMA and is used in many applications, which include the production of speciality methacrylates for automotive coatings, in cement modifiers, NBR latex for disposable synthetic rubber gloves and in vinyl ester resins. 
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) contributes a number of additional beneficial properties including surface adhesion, toughness and chemical resistance.

Uses Of MAA (Methacrylic Acid):
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is used in the manufacture of methacrylate resins and plastics. 
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) 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. 

MAA (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.
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is widely used as a comonomer in the production of acrylic and methacrylic polymers for coatings, adhesives, and sealants.

The presence of carboxylic acid groups improves adhesion to metals, glass, and oxide surfaces.
This makes MAA (Methacrylic Acid) especially valuable in corrosion-resistant and protective coating systems.
In hydrogel and smart polymer systems, MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is used to introduce pH-responsive behavior.

The ionization of –COOH groups causes reversible swelling and deswelling depending on environmental pH.
This property is exploited in controlled drug delivery and biomedical sensing applications.
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is commonly used in ion-exchange resins and water-treatment polymers.

The carboxylate groups provide active sites for binding metal ions and charged species.
These materials are applied in wastewater purification and separation technologies.
In biomedical engineering, MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is incorporated into polymers to enhance biocompatibility and surface functionality.

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) allows further chemical modification with biomolecules through amide or ester coupling reactions.
Such functionalization is important for tissue scaffolds and bioactive coatings.
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is also used in emulsion polymerization to control particle stability and surface charge.

This improves dispersion stability in latex paints and water-based inks.
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) also contributes to better film formation and durability of coating layers.
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is used in the synthesis of pressure-sensitive adhesives where strong surface bonding is required.

The polar carboxyl groups increase intermolecular attraction and improve tack and peel strength.
This is important in labels, medical tapes, and protective films.
In textile finishing, MAA (Methacrylic Acid)-based polymers are applied to improve fabric durability and wrinkle resistance.

The functional groups enhance bonding between polymer coatings and fiber surfaces.
This leads to better wash resistance and longer service life of treated fabrics.
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is utilized in the preparation of polymer nanoparticles and microspheres for drug and gene delivery.

The surface carboxyl groups allow attachment of targeting ligands and therapeutic molecules.
This enables controlled release and site-specific delivery in biomedical treatments.
In composite materials, MAA (Methacrylic Acid) improves interfacial bonding between polymer matrices and inorganic fillers.

The acid groups interact with filler surfaces such as silica, alumina, and metal oxides.
This enhances mechanical strength and reduces particle agglomeration.
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is also applied in the formulation of dental and orthopedic materials.

It contributes to strong bonding between polymer resins and mineralized tissues.
This property is essential for durable restorative and implant-related applications.
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is used in the development of responsive membranes for filtration and separation technologies.

The swelling behavior of MAA (Methacrylic Acid)-containing polymers allows tunable pore size under different pH conditions.
This enables selective transport of ions and small molecules.
In battery and electrochemical applications, MAA (Methacrylic Acid)-based polymers are used as binders and surface modifiers.

The carboxyl groups improve adhesion between active materials and current collectors.
This contributes to better cycling stability and mechanical integrity of electrodes, which is very relevant for energy storage systems.

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is employed in anticorrosion primer formulations for metal protection.
The functional groups form strong interfacial interactions with metallic substrates.
This enhances coating durability and resistance to moisture penetration.

In biomedical diagnostics, MAA (Methacrylic Acid)-containing polymers are used in biosensor platforms.
The surface functionality allows immobilization of enzymes and antibodies.
This improves sensitivity and selectivity of detection systems.

Health Hazard Of MAA (Methacrylic Acid):
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is a highly corrosive liquid.
Contact with eyes can result in blindness.
Skin contact may produce severe chemical burns.

No significant inhalation toxicity was observed in rats under experimental conditions.
However, exposure to its vapors may cause skin and eye irritation ranging from mild to moderate.
Repeated or prolonged exposure can increase the risk of tissue damage.

Fire Hazard Of MAA (Methacrylic Acid):
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is classified as a combustible liquid with a flash point of 76 °C (170 °F) in open cup conditions.
Its vapor pressure is below 0.1 torr at 20 °C, indicating relatively low volatility at room temperature.
Nevertheless, flammable vapor–air mixtures can form near heated surfaces.

Recommended fire-extinguishing agents include water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
Water spray can also be used to dilute and flush spills and to disperse vapors.
Firefighters should use protective equipment due to corrosive and irritating fumes.

MAA (Methacrylic Acid) polymerizes readily, and the polymerization reaction is strongly exothermic.
The reaction rate increases with temperature and may lead to violent rupture of closed containers.
This presents a serious storage and transportation hazard.

Polymerization can be inhibited by adding small amounts of hydroquinone or hydroquinone monomethyl ether.
These inhibitors slow radical formation and reduce the risk of runaway reactions.
For safety, the acid is often stored below its melting point.

Safety Profile Of MAA (Methacrylic Acid):
MAA (Methacrylic Acid) is considered poisonous by the intraperitoneal route.
It is moderately toxic by ingestion and by skin contact.
It is corrosive to skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Mutation data have been reported in experimental studies.
This raises concerns regarding long-term exposure and occupational safety.
Strict exposure limits and ventilation are therefore recommended.

When exposed to heat, flame, or strong oxidizing agents, MAA (Methacrylic Acid) can ignite.
During thermal decomposition, it releases acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Appropriate fire control and emergency procedures are essential in industrial settings.

 

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