Methyl Acrylate, Methyl Acrylate Monomer, Methyl-2-Acrylate, Methyl Propenoate, MA, 96-33-3
METHYL ACRYLATE (MA)
CAS Number: 96-33-3
EC Number (EINECS): 202-500-6
Molecular Formula: C₄H₆O₂
Molecular Weight: 86.09 g/mol
Chemical Class: Acrylate ester (monomer)
SECTION 1: PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter |
Description |
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) |
Methyl prop-2-enoate |
| Other Names |
MA, Methyl-2-acrylate, Methyl Acrylate Monomer, Methyl propenoate |
| CAS Number |
96-33-3 |
| EC Number (EINECS) |
202-500-6 |
| Molecular Formula |
C₄H₆O₂ |
| Molecular Weight |
86.09 g/mol |
| Chemical Class |
Acrylate ester (monomer) |
| Structure |
CH₂=CH-COOCH₃ |
| Appearance |
Colorless liquid |
| Odor |
Sharp, acrid, characteristic |
| Stabilizer |
10–20 ppm Hydroquinone monomethyl ether (MEHQ) |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property |
Value / Range |
| Molecular Formula |
C₄H₆O₂ |
| Molecular Weight |
86.09 g/mol |
| Appearance |
Colorless liquid |
| Odor |
Sharp, acrid, characteristic |
| Density (20°C) |
~0.956 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point |
-75°C |
| Boiling Point |
~80°C |
| Flash Point |
~-3°C (closed cup) |
| Autoignition Temperature |
~415°C |
| Vapor Pressure (20°C) |
~90.5 mbar |
| Vapor Density (air=1) |
2.97 (heavier than air) |
| Solubility in Water (20°C) |
~5% (soluble) |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents |
Soluble in alcohols, ethers, ketones, hydrocarbons |
| Refractive Index (n²⁰D) |
~1.404 |
| Explosive Limits |
2.8% – 25.0% (v/v) |
| Viscosity (25°C) |
~0.5 cP |
| LogP |
~0.73 |
| Polymerization Inhibitor |
10–20 ppm MEHQ (hydroquinone monomethyl ether) |
SECTION 3: SOLUBILITY PROFILE
| Solvent |
Solubility |
Condition |
| Water |
Soluble (~5%) |
20°C |
| Methanol |
Completely miscible |
- |
| Ethanol |
Completely miscible |
- |
| Acetone |
Completely miscible |
- |
| Toluene |
Completely miscible |
- |
| Ethyl Acetate |
Completely miscible |
- |
| Diethyl Ether |
Completely miscible |
- |
| Aliphatic Hydrocarbons |
Limited solubility |
- |
Critical Note: Methyl acrylate has moderate solubility in water (~5%) and is completely miscible with most organic solvents. Its low flash point (-3°C) makes it highly flammable.
SECTION 4: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS
| Property |
Description |
| Chemical Class |
Acrylate ester (monomer) |
| Functional Groups |
Ester (-COOR) and vinyl (C=C) |
| Reactivity |
Very high; readily polymerizes |
| Polymerization |
Free-radical polymerization (bulk, solution, emulsion, suspension) |
| Copolymerization |
Copolymerizes with many vinyl monomers |
| Transesterification |
Reacts with alcohols to form other acrylate esters |
| Thermal Decomposition |
> 200°C releases CO, CO₂, and irritant vapors |
| Oxidation |
May form peroxides in air |
| Hydrolysis |
Hydrolyzes in acidic/basic media to acrylic acid and methanol |
4.1. Key Reactions
| Reaction Type |
Description |
| Radical Polymerization |
Heat or initiator triggered → Poly(methyl acrylate) |
| Copolymerization |
With acrylates, methacrylates, styrene, vinyl acetate |
| Transesterification |
Alcohol + MA → Other alkyl acrylates |
| Michael Addition |
Reacts with nucleophiles at β-carbon |
| Hydrolysis |
Acid/base → Acrylic acid + Methanol |
4.2. Polymerization Inhibition
| Parameter |
Information |
| Stabilizer |
10–20 ppm MEHQ (hydroquinone monomethyl ether) |
| Stabilizer Function |
Prevents premature free-radical polymerization |
| Dissolved Oxygen |
Acts as additional inhibitor |
| Storage Temp |
15–25°C |
| Inhibitor Removal |
Can be removed by distillation or inhibitor removal column |
SECTION 5: MAJOR APPLICATIONS AND END-USES
5.1. Polymer Production (Primary Application)
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Poly(methyl acrylate) |
Monomer for homopolymer |
High |
| Acrylic Copolymers |
Co-monomer with other acrylates and methacrylates |
High |
| Acrylic Emulsions |
Co-monomer for water-based coatings |
High |
| Acrylic Dispersions |
Co-monomer for adhesives and sealants |
High |
5.2. Coatings and Paints
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Architectural Coatings |
Co-monomer for latex paints |
High |
| Industrial Coatings |
Co-monomer for solvent-based coatings |
High |
| Automotive Coatings |
Co-monomer for topcoats and clearcoats |
High |
| Protective Coatings |
Co-monomer for durable coatings |
High |
5.3. Adhesives and Sealants
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives |
Co-monomer for tackiness |
High |
| Hot Melt Adhesives |
Co-monomer for acrylic hot melts |
High |
| Laminating Adhesives |
Co-monomer for flexible packaging |
High |
| Construction Adhesives |
Co-monomer for structural adhesives |
High |
5.4. Textiles
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Textile Coatings |
Co-monomer for fabric coatings |
High |
| Nonwoven Binders |
Co-monomer for nonwoven fabrics |
High |
| Fiber Treatment |
Co-monomer for fiber modification |
High |
5.5. Paper and Leather
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Paper Coatings |
Co-monomer for paper coatings |
High |
| Paper Production |
Co-monomer for paper additives |
High |
| Leather Impregnation |
Co-monomer for leather treatment |
High |
5.6. Other Applications
| Application |
Function |
Suitability |
| Plastics |
Co-monomer for impact modifiers |
High |
| Elastomers |
Co-monomer for acrylic rubber |
High |
| Printing Inks |
Co-monomer for ink binders |
High |
| Synthetic Leather |
Co-monomer for leather coatings |
High |
SECTION 6: INDUSTRY SUITABILITY MATRIX
| Industry |
Suitability |
Explanation |
| Coatings |
High |
Co-monomer for acrylic latex and solvent-based coatings |
| Adhesives |
High |
Co-monomer for pressure-sensitive and laminating adhesives |
| Textiles |
High |
Co-monomer for fabric coatings and nonwoven binders |
| Paper |
High |
Co-monomer for paper coatings and additives |
| Leather |
High |
Co-monomer for leather impregnation and coatings |
| Plastics |
High |
Co-monomer for impact modifiers and acrylic rubber |
| Printing Inks |
High |
Co-monomer for ink binders |
| Cosmetics |
Not suitable |
Not used in cosmetics |
| Food Additive |
Not suitable |
Not used as direct food additive |
SECTION 7: COMPARISON OF ACRYLATE MONOMERS
| Property |
Methyl Acrylate (MA) |
Ethyl Acrylate (EA) |
Butyl Acrylate (BA) |
2-Ethylhexyl Acrylate (2-EHA) |
| Molecular Weight |
86.09 g/mol |
100.12 g/mol |
128.17 g/mol |
184.28 g/mol |
| Boiling Point (°C) |
80 |
100 |
145 |
215 |
| Flash Point (°C) |
-3 |
15 |
38 |
92 |
| Glass Transition Temp (Tg) |
~10°C |
~-22°C |
~-54°C |
~-70°C |
| Homopolymer Hardness |
Hard |
Soft |
Very soft |
Extremely soft |
| Tack |
Low |
Moderate |
High |
High |
| Water Solubility |
5.0% |
1.5% |
0.2% |
<0.01% |
| Typical Use |
Coatings, paper, adhesives |
Coatings, textiles, adhesives |
Adhesives, coatings, textiles |
Adhesives, coatings |
SECTION 8: OTHER NAMES AND IDENTIFIERS
| Type |
Name / Description |
| IUPAC Name |
Methyl prop-2-enoate |
| Commercial Names |
MA, Methyl Acrylate Monomer, Methyl-2-acrylate |
| Synonyms |
Acrylic acid methyl ester, Methyl propenoate |
| CAS Number |
96-33-3 |
| EC Number |
202-500-6 |
| RTECS Number |
AT2800000 |
| HS Code |
29161200 |
SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGY AND HEALTH EFFECTS
| Parameter |
Value / Description |
| GHS Classification |
Danger |
| Signal Word |
Danger |
| Hazard Statements |
H225 (Highly flammable liquid and vapor), H302 (Harmful if swallowed), H312 (Harmful in contact with skin), H315 (Causes skin irritation), H317 (May cause allergic skin reaction), H318 (Causes serious eye damage), H331 (Toxic if inhaled), H335 (May cause respiratory irritation), H400 (Very toxic to aquatic life) |
| Oral LD50 (Rat) |
~500-1,000 mg/kg |
| Dermal LD50 (Rabbit) |
~1,000-2,000 mg/kg |
| Inhalation LC50 (Rat) |
~1,000-2,000 ppm |
| Skin Irritation |
Irritant |
| Eye Irritation |
Serious eye damage |
| Skin Sensitization |
Positive (allergic contact dermatitis) |
| Mutagenicity |
Negative |
| Carcinogenicity |
IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) |
| Reproductive Toxicity |
Not classified |
| Target Organs |
Skin, eyes, respiratory system |
| Occupational Exposure Limit (TWA) |
10 ppm (ACGIH), 10 ppm (OSHA) |
SECTION 10: ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR
| Parameter |
Value / Description |
| Fish Toxicity (LC50, 96 hours) |
~10-20 mg/L |
| Daphnia Toxicity (EC50, 48 hours) |
~10-20 mg/L |
| Algae Toxicity (EC50, 72 hours) |
~10-20 mg/L |
| Biodegradability |
Readily biodegradable (OECD 301) |
| Bioaccumulation |
Low (LogP ~0.73) |
| Hydrolysis |
Slow hydrolysis to acrylic acid and methanol |
| Water Hazard Class (WGK Germany) |
WGK 2 (hazardous to water) |
Ecotoxicological Summary: Methyl acrylate is toxic to aquatic organisms. It is readily biodegradable and has low bioaccumulation potential.
SECTION 11: SAFETY MEASURES AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
| Parameter |
Information |
| Respiratory Protection |
Organic vapor cartridge (at high concentrations) or SCBA |
| Gloves |
Chemically resistant (nitrile, butyl rubber, Viton) |
| Eye Protection |
Chemical safety goggles + face shield |
| Body Protection |
Chemical-resistant apron, full protective clothing |
| Ventilation |
Local exhaust ventilation and general ventilation |
| Special Precautions |
Grounding for static electricity; explosion-proof equipment |
| Engineering Controls |
Closed systems; inert atmosphere (N₂) |
SECTION 12: STORAGE INFORMATION
| Parameter |
Information |
| Storage Conditions |
Cool, dry, well-ventilated area |
| Temperature |
15–25°C (store under inert atmosphere) |
| Container |
Tightly closed, dark, stainless steel or aluminum containers |
| Special Requirements |
Must contain inhibitor (MEHQ); avoid extreme temperatures |
| Incompatibilities |
Heat, light, peroxides, strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases |
| Shelf Life |
6–12 months (under recommended conditions) |
| Packaging |
200 kg drum, 1000 kg IBC, bulk tanker (under N₂ blanket) |
SECTION 13: TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter |
Information |
| UN Number |
1919 |
| Hazard Class |
3 (Flammable Liquid) |
| Packing Group |
II |
| Proper Shipping Name |
Methyl Acrylate, stabilized |
| Labels |
3 (Flammable Liquid) |
| ADR/RID |
UN 1919, Class 3, PG II |
| IMDG Code |
UN 1919, Class 3, PG II |
| IATA (Air) |
UN 1919, Class 3, PG II |
| Marine Pollutant |
Yes |
| Transport Notes |
Keep away from heat and fire; take precautions against static electricity; transport under inert atmosphere |
SECTION 14: FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter |
Information |
| Fire Hazard |
Highly flammable (flash point ~-3°C) |
| Extinguishing Media |
Alcohol-resistant foam, CO₂, dry chemical, water fog |
| Special Hazards |
Vapors are heavier than air (2.97×), explosive limits 2.8–25.0% |
| Decomposition Products |
CO, CO₂, irritant vapors |
| Protective Equipment |
Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing |
| Explosion Risk |
Vapor/air mixtures explosive |
| Water Use |
Prevent fire-fighting water from entering the environment |
SECTION 15: ACCIDENTAL RELEASE AND CLEANUP
| Parameter |
Information |
| Personal Protection |
Gloves, safety goggles, face shield, protective clothing, SCBA |
| Ventilation |
Increase ventilation; evacuate area |
| Control |
Stop source; prevent vapor spread |
| Cleanup Methods |
Absorb with inert absorbent material; collect in sealed containers |
| Environmental Precautions |
Prevent entry into drains and water bodies (H400) |
| Waste Disposal |
According to local regulations; incineration (hazardous waste) |
SECTION 16: FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route |
Action |
| Inhalation |
Move to fresh air. Administer oxygen if breathing difficulty. Seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact |
Remove contaminated clothing. Wash with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention. |
| Eye Contact |
Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention. |
| Ingestion |
Do NOT induce vomiting. Drink plenty of water. Seek immediate medical attention. |
SECTION 17: REGULATORY INFORMATION
| Region / Authority |
Status |
| EU REACH |
Registered |
| Turkey KKDİK |
Registration required |
| USA TSCA |
Listed |
| USA FDA |
Approved for food contact (indirect) under 21 CFR 175.105, 175.300, 177.1010 |
| EU Food Contact |
Approved (under specific conditions) |
| IARC |
Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) |
| EINECS |
202-500-6 |
| RTECS |
AT2800000 |
| WGK (Germany) |
2 (hazardous to water) |
SECTION 18: SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS
Product Summary
| Parameter |
Value |
| Product |
Methyl Acrylate (MA) |
| CAS |
96-33-3 |
| Appearance |
Colorless liquid |
| Density |
~0.956 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point |
~80°C |
| Flash Point |
~-3°C |
| UN Number |
1919 |
| Key Industries |
Coatings, adhesives, textiles, paper |
CRITICAL WARNINGS
-
Highly Flammable: Flash point ~-3°C. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Explosive limits 2.8–25.0% in air.
-
Polymerization Risk: Readily polymerizes; always contains inhibitor (MEHQ). Keep away from heat and light. Do not store without inhibitor.
-
Vapor Density: Vapors are heavier than air (2.97×), accumulate at floor level and in low areas.
-
Toxic and Irritant: Toxic if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin (H302, H312, H331). Causes serious eye damage (H318).
-
Skin Sensitizer: May cause allergic skin reactions (H317). Use appropriate PPE.
-
Carcinogenicity: IARC Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans). Handle with caution.
-
Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic life (H400). Avoid release to the environment.
-
Storage: Store in cool, dark, well-ventilated areas under inert atmosphere. Do not exceed 25°C.
-
Shipping: Transport as UN 1919, Class 3, Packing Group II. Marine pollutant.
-
Regulatory Status: Registered under REACH. FDA-approved for indirect food contact (21 CFR).
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only and is based on available technical data. The user is solely responsible for determining the product's suitability for their specific application and for complying with all applicable local, national, and international regulations. Methyl acrylate is highly flammable, readily polymerizes, and is classified as possibly carcinogenic (IARC Group 2B)! For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Methyl Acrylate.
