Methacrylic Acid is an unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer used in acrylic polymers, coatings, adhesives, ion-exchange resins, textile auxiliaries, dispersants, and specialty chemical synthesis, and Methacrylic Acid is valued for introducing carboxyl functionality, adhesion, hardness, water sensitivity control, and crosslinking potential into polymer systems.
Methacrylic Acid is commonly used in emulsion polymerization, solution polymerization, and reactive monomer systems where controlled acid functionality improves pigment dispersion, substrate bonding, alkali solubility, and compatibility with other acrylic or methacrylic monomers.
Methacrylic Acid is typically supplied as a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent acidic odor, and Methacrylic Acid requires strict handling controls because it is corrosive, flammable, and polymerization-sensitive if exposed to heat, light, contamination, or loss of inhibitor.
CAS Number: 79-41-4
EC Number: 201-204-4
Molecular Formula: C4H6O2
Molecular Weight: 86.09 g/mol
Synonyms: Methacrylic Acid, MAA, 2-Methylacrylic Acid, 2-Methyl-2-Propenoic Acid, Alpha-Methylacrylic Acid, α-Methylacrylic Acid, Isobutenic Acid, Methacrylate Acid, Methacrylic Acid Monomer, Acrylic Acid Beta-Methyl, 2-Methylprop-2-Enoic Acid, Methacrylic Acid Polymer Grade, Methacrylic Acid, MAA, 2-Methylpropenoic Acid, 2-Methylprop-2-enoic Acid, Alpha-Methylacrylic Acid, α-Methylacrylic Acid, Methylacrylic Acid, Isobutenic Acid, Isobutylenic Acid, 2-Methyl Acrylic Acid, 2-Methylenepropionic Acid, Methacrylic Acid Monomer, Methacrylic Acid Glacial, Glacial Methacrylic Acid, Methacrylic Acid Stabilized, Inhibited Methacrylic Acid, Methacrylic Acid Technical Grade, Methacrylic Acid Industrial Grade, Methacrylic Acid Reagent Grade, Methacrylic Acid Analytical Grade, Methacrylic Acid High Purity, Methacrylic Acid 99%, Methacrylic Acid Solution, Acrylic Monomer MAA, Functional Monomer MAA, Carboxylic Monomer MAA, Unsaturated Carboxylic Acid, Polymer Grade Methacrylic Acid, Resin Grade Methacrylic Acid, Coating Grade Methacrylic Acid, Adhesive Grade Methacrylic Acid
APPLICATIONS
Methacrylic Acid is used as a functional monomer in acrylic and methacrylic polymer production.
Methacrylic Acid is incorporated into emulsion polymers to introduce acid functionality and improve colloidal stability.
Methacrylic Acid is used in solution polymers where carboxyl groups improve adhesion, hardness, and compatibility.
Methacrylic Acid is used in waterborne coatings to improve pigment dispersion, alkali solubility, and film performance.
Methacrylic Acid is incorporated into architectural, industrial, and specialty coating binders to improve substrate wetting and adhesion.
Methacrylic Acid is used in coating formulations where controlled acid value supports crosslinking and neutralization behavior.
Methacrylic Acid is used in adhesives and sealants to improve bonding to polar substrates.
Methacrylic Acid is incorporated into pressure-sensitive adhesives in selected formulations to improve cohesive strength and adhesion balance.
Methacrylic Acid is used in reactive adhesive systems where carboxyl functionality improves compatibility with fillers, resins, or curing agents.
Methacrylic Acid is used in dispersants and thickeners where acid groups provide ionic stabilization after neutralization.
Methacrylic Acid is incorporated into pigment dispersants to improve wetting and stabilization of inorganic and organic pigments.
Methacrylic Acid is used in rheology modifiers and alkali-swellable polymers in selected applications.
Methacrylic Acid is used in ion-exchange and water-treatment resins where carboxyl functionality provides weak-acid ion-exchange behavior.
Methacrylic Acid is incorporated into specialty polymer beads and functional materials requiring controlled acid groups.
Methacrylic Acid is valued because Methacrylic Acid provides reactive vinyl functionality and carboxylic acid functionality in one monomer, enabling versatile polymer design across coatings, adhesives, dispersants, resins, and specialty materials.
Methacrylic Acid is used as a monomer in acrylic polymer production. Methacrylic Acid is used to manufacture methacrylate esters. Methacrylic Acid is applied in the production of methyl methacrylate derivatives. Methacrylic Acid supports the synthesis of specialty acrylic resins.
Methacrylic Acid is used in coating formulations. Methacrylic Acid improves adhesion in acrylic coatings. Methacrylic Acid is applied in waterborne coating systems. Methacrylic Acid helps improve film hardness and durability.
Methacrylic Acid is used in solventborne acrylic coatings. Methacrylic Acid supports crosslinking and functional modification in resin systems. Methacrylic Acid is used in automotive coatings. Methacrylic Acid helps improve gloss, chemical resistance, and weatherability.
Methacrylic Acid is used in industrial metal coatings. Methacrylic Acid improves adhesion to metal substrates. Methacrylic Acid is applied in protective coating formulations. Methacrylic Acid supports corrosion-resistant coating performance when properly formulated.
Methacrylic Acid is used in adhesive formulations. Methacrylic Acid improves bonding strength in acrylic adhesives. Methacrylic Acid is applied in pressure-sensitive adhesives. Methacrylic Acid helps modify tack, cohesion, and adhesion balance.
Methacrylic Acid is used in sealant formulations. Methacrylic Acid supports functional acrylic polymer design. Methacrylic Acid is used in reactive resin systems. Methacrylic Acid helps provide carboxyl functionality for further reactions.
Methacrylic Acid is used in ion-exchange resin production. Methacrylic Acid provides acidic functional groups in polymer networks. Methacrylic Acid is applied in water-treatment resin systems. Methacrylic Acid supports selective binding of ions in functional polymers.
Methacrylic Acid is used in textile finishing chemicals. Methacrylic Acid helps improve polymer adhesion to fibers. Methacrylic Acid is applied in textile binders. Methacrylic Acid supports durability and wash resistance in fabric coatings.
Methacrylic Acid is used in leather finishing formulations. Methacrylic Acid helps create acrylic binders for leather coatings. Methacrylic Acid is applied in surface-treatment products. Methacrylic Acid supports flexible and durable finishing films.
Methacrylic Acid is used in paper coating binders. Methacrylic Acid helps improve pigment binding in paper coatings. Methacrylic Acid is applied in specialty paper treatment systems. Methacrylic Acid supports improved printability and surface strength.
Methacrylic Acid is used in dispersant production. Methacrylic Acid provides carboxylic functionality in polymeric dispersants. Methacrylic Acid helps stabilize pigment and filler dispersions. Methacrylic Acid is applied in water-based pigment dispersion systems.
Methacrylic Acid is used in superabsorbent and absorbent polymer research. Methacrylic Acid supports the preparation of functional hydrophilic polymers. Methacrylic Acid is used in biomedical polymer development. Methacrylic Acid helps introduce pH-responsive behavior into polymer materials.
Methacrylic Acid is used in dental material research. Methacrylic Acid supports the development of functional methacrylate systems. Methacrylic Acid is used in hydrogel preparation. Methacrylic Acid helps create polymers with swelling and ionizable properties.
Methacrylic Acid is used in laboratory synthesis. Methacrylic Acid is applied in copolymerization studies.
DESCRIPTION
Methacrylic Acid is an alpha-substituted unsaturated carboxylic acid, and Methacrylic Acid polymerizes readily through its vinyl double bond to form methacrylic acid-containing polymers and copolymers.
Methacrylic Acid introduces pendant carboxyl groups into polymer chains, and these groups can be neutralized, crosslinked, hydrogen-bonded, or used to improve adhesion and dispersion.
Methacrylic Acid is commonly copolymerized with methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, styrene, acrylonitrile, and other vinyl monomers to tune hardness, flexibility, glass transition, and solubility.
Methacrylic Acid is usually stabilized with an inhibitor to reduce premature polymerization, and inhibitor effectiveness depends on oxygen presence, storage temperature, contamination control, and shelf age.
Methacrylic Acid polymerization can be exothermic and hazardous if uncontrolled, so exposure to heat, light, peroxides, initiators, reducing agents, metal salts, and incompatible contaminants should be avoided.
Methacrylic Acid is corrosive and can cause serious burns, so exposure to skin, eyes, vapors, or mists should be strictly controlled.
Methacrylic Acid should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area with inhibitor maintained according to supplier recommendations.
Methacrylic Acid should be protected from freezing or overheating depending on storage specification because temperature extremes can affect stability and handling.
Methacrylic Acid should be used according to monomer handling procedures, workplace safety rules, transport regulations, and polymerization control requirements.
Methacrylic Acid is an unsaturated carboxylic acid. Methacrylic Acid is commonly supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Methacrylic Acid has a sharp and irritating odor. Methacrylic Acid contains both vinyl and carboxylic acid functional groups.
Methacrylic Acid can polymerize under suitable conditions. Methacrylic Acid is usually stabilized with inhibitors to prevent premature polymerization. Methacrylic Acid is miscible with many organic solvents. Methacrylic Acid is soluble in water to a limited extent.
Methacrylic Acid is chemically reactive because of its double bond. Methacrylic Acid can form salts with bases. Methacrylic Acid can react with alcohols to form methacrylate esters. Methacrylic Acid can be copolymerized with many acrylic and vinyl monomers.
Methacrylic Acid is corrosive and requires careful handling. Methacrylic Acid may cause burns to skin and eyes. Methacrylic Acid vapors may irritate the respiratory tract. Methacrylic Acid should be handled with suitable ventilation and protective equipment.
Methacrylic Acid should be stored in tightly closed containers. Methacrylic Acid should be protected from heat, sparks, and direct sunlight. Methacrylic Acid should be kept away from strong oxidizing agents and polymerization initiators. Methacrylic Acid should be stored with inhibitor control according to supplier recommendations.
Methacrylic Acid is valued for introducing acid functionality into polymers. Methacrylic Acid improves adhesion, dispersibility, and reactivity in acrylic systems. Methacrylic Acid performance depends on purity, inhibitor level, formulation design, and polymerization conditions. Methacrylic Acid is widely used in coatings, adhesives, resins, dispersants, and specialty polymers.
Methacrylic Acid is an important functional monomer for modern acrylic and methacrylic polymer chemistry.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C4H6O2
Molecular Weight: 86.09 g/mol
Common Name: Methacrylic Acid
Chemical Type: Unsaturated carboxylic acid; methacrylate monomer; functional acrylic monomer
Appearance: Clear colorless liquid
Odor: Strong pungent acidic odor
Solubility: Miscible or highly soluble in water; soluble in many organic solvents
Boiling Point: Approximately 160–163°C
Melting Point: Approximately 15–16°C
Flash Point: Approximately 67–77°C, method dependent
Density: Approximately 1.01 g/cm³ at 20°C
pH Behavior: Acidic in aqueous solution
Reactivity: Polymerizes readily; reacts with bases, oxidizers, initiators, and reducing agents
Stability: Stable only with inhibitor under recommended storage; avoid heat, light, contamination, and inhibitor depletion
Storage Temperature: Typically 15–25°C, tightly closed, inhibited, well-ventilated
Shelf Life: Typically 6–12 months in original sealed packaging, supplier dependent
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air immediately if vapors or mists are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if coughing, throat irritation, dizziness, headache, or breathing difficulty occurs.
Keep the affected person under observation because irritation may persist after exposure.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing immediately and rinse skin with plenty of water.
Wash thoroughly with soap and water after initial rinsing.
Seek immediate medical attention because Methacrylic Acid can cause burns and serious skin irritation.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek immediate medical attention because serious eye damage is possible.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water and do not induce vomiting.
Seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison center.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Monitor for corrosive injury, respiratory irritation, and effects from inhalation of acrylate-type vapors.
Provide supportive care as needed.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, face shield, protective clothing, and respiratory protection where needed.
Avoid breathing vapors or mists and prevent all skin and eye contact.
Use closed transfer systems, grounded equipment, and clean monomer-compatible tools to reduce exposure and contamination.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust ventilation during transfer, sampling, polymerization charging, and formulation work.
Avoid handling in confined spaces without adequate airflow and exposure assessment.
Use explosion-proof ventilation and electrical equipment where flammable vapors may be present.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed original containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.
Maintain inhibitor level and oxygen contact according to supplier recommendations to prevent premature polymerization.
Keep away from heat, direct sunlight, peroxides, initiators, oxidizers, reducing agents, strong bases, amines, and metal contamination.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Evacuate unnecessary personnel and eliminate ignition sources.
Contain spill with compatible inert absorbent and collect into suitable chemical waste containers.
Prevent entry into drains and dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.
Handling Precautions:
Control inhibitor and storage temperature because Methacrylic Acid can polymerize dangerously if inhibitor is depleted or if contamination occurs.
Control neutralization carefully because addition of bases can release heat and cause splashing.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices and monitor shelf age to maintain stable monomer quality and predictable polymerization performance.