Vinyl Acetate Monomer, Vinyl Acetate, Vinyl Ethanoate, VAM, 108-05-4
Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM)
CAS Number: 108-05-4
Chemical Formula: C₄H₆O₂
Molecular Weight: 86.09 g/mol
Synonyms: Vinyl Ethanoate, Vinyl Acetate, VAM, Acetic Acid Vinyl Ester
1. CHEMICAL IDENTITY
| Parameter |
Information |
| Product Name |
Vinyl Acetate Monomer |
| IUPAC Name |
Ethenyl acetate |
| CAS Number |
108-05-4 |
| Molecular Formula |
C₄H₆O₂ |
| Molecular Weight |
86.09 g/mol |
| EINECS Number |
203-545-4 |
| UN Number |
1301 |
| Chemical Class |
Vinyl Ester, Monomer |
2. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
| Parameter |
Value |
| Physical State |
Liquid |
| Color |
Colorless |
| Odor |
Fruity, characteristic |
| Density (20°C) |
0.932 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point |
-93.2 °C |
| Boiling Point |
72.8 °C |
| Flash Point |
-8 °C (closed cup) |
| Autoignition Temperature |
402 °C |
| Vapor Pressure (20°C) |
90.2 mmHg |
| Viscosity (20°C) |
0.43 cP |
| Refractive Index (20°C) |
1.395 |
| Dielectric Constant (20°C) |
4.8 |
3. SOLUBILITY PROPERTIES
| Solvent |
Solubility |
| Water |
Slightly soluble (~20 g/L at 25°C) |
| Ethanol |
Fully miscible |
| Diethyl Ether |
Fully miscible |
| Acetone |
Fully miscible |
| Toluene |
Fully miscible |
| Chloroform |
Fully miscible |
| Oils and Fat Solvents |
Miscible |
4. THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
| Parameter |
Value |
| Heat of Formation (20°C) |
-1017 kJ/mol |
| Heat of Vaporization |
29.1 kJ/mol |
| Specific Heat Capacity (20°C) |
1.97 J/g·K |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient |
0.0011 /°C |
| Critical Temperature |
265 °C |
| Critical Pressure |
4.3 MPa |
5. CHEMICAL REACTIVITY
| Reaction Type |
Description |
| Polymerization |
Free radical polymerization initiated by heat, light, or peroxides; highly exothermic reaction |
| Hydrolysis |
Converts to acetic acid in the presence of acids or bases |
| Transesterification |
Ester exchange with alcohols |
| Addition Reactions |
Electrophilic and nucleophilic addition reactions |
| Oxidation |
Can form peroxides with atmospheric oxygen |
6. STABILITY AND POLYMERIZATION
| Parameter |
Information |
| Stabilizer |
Hydroquinone (15-20 ppm) or hydroquinone monomethyl ether (MEHQ) |
| Polymerization Mechanism |
Free radical chain polymerization |
| Polymerization Initiators |
Peroxides, azo compounds, heat, light |
| Autopolymerization Temperature |
Accelerates above 40°C |
| Storage Temperature |
Must be maintained between 5-25°C |
| Shelf Life (stabilized) |
6-12 months (depending on storage conditions) |
7. SAFETY AND HAZARD CLASSIFICATION (GHS)
| Hazard Class |
Description |
| H225 |
Highly flammable liquid and vapor |
| H302 |
Harmful if swallowed |
| H312 |
Harmful in contact with skin |
| H319 |
Causes serious eye irritation |
| H332 |
Harmful if inhaled |
| H351 |
Suspected of causing cancer |
| H373 |
May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure |
GHS Pictograms: GHS02 (Flame), GHS07 (Exclamation mark), GHS08 (Health hazard)
8. PHYSICAL HAZARDS AND FLAMMABILITY
| Parameter |
Value |
| Flash Point |
-8 °C |
| Flammability Limits (vol% in air) |
Lower: 2.6%, Upper: 13.4% |
| Autoignition Temperature |
402 °C |
| Vapor Density (air=1) |
3.0 |
| Combustion Products |
Carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂) |
| Fire Extinguishing Media |
Dry chemical powder, CO₂, alcohol foam, water fog |
Warning: Vapor is heavier than air (vapor density 3.0) and can accumulate at ground level. High risk of explosion in confined spaces.
9. FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure |
First Aid Procedure |
| Inhalation |
Remove to fresh air. If breathing stops, give artificial respiration. Seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact |
Remove contaminated clothing. Wash with plenty of soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Eye Contact |
Rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Keep eyelids open. Seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion |
Do NOT induce vomiting. Rinse mouth. If conscious, drink water. Seek immediate medical attention. |
| Note |
Symptoms may be delayed. Medical observation is recommended. |
10. FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter |
Information |
| Suitable Extinguishing Media |
Dry chemical powder, CO₂, alcohol foam, water fog |
| Unsuitable Extinguishing Media |
High pressure water jet (may spread flames) |
| Firefighter PPE |
Full firefighting gear with positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) |
| Special Hazards |
Heat may cause violent polymerization; container may explode |
| Combustion Products |
CO, CO₂, acetic acid vapors |
11. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES
| Spill Size |
Procedure |
| Personal Protection |
Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles, respirator) |
| Small Spills |
Cover with absorbent material (sand, soil, vermiculite). Collect in closed container. |
| Large Spills |
Remove ignition sources. Contain the spill. Do not allow evaporation. |
| Environmental Precautions |
Prevent entry into sewers, surface water, and groundwater. |
| Disposal |
Incineration or chemical disposal according to local regulations |
12. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
| Protection Type |
Requirement |
| Respiratory Protection |
Organic vapor cartridge mask; SCBA in confined spaces |
| Hand Protection |
Butyl rubber, nitrile, or Viton gloves |
| Eye Protection |
Chemical splash goggles + face shield |
| Skin Protection |
Butyl rubber or Teflon apron, chemical-resistant boots |
| Engineering Controls |
Local exhaust ventilation, explosion-proof equipment |
| Industrial Hygiene |
Provide eye wash station and safety shower. Wash hands after handling. |
13. EXPOSURE LIMITS
| Region/Agency |
TWA (8 hour) |
STEL (15 min) |
Note |
| ACGIH (USA) |
10 ppm |
15 ppm |
Skin absorption |
| OSHA (USA) PEL |
10 ppm |
- |
- |
| NIOSH (USA) REL |
10 ppm |
15 ppm |
Suspected carcinogen |
| EU (INRS) |
10 ppm |
15 ppm |
- |
| MAK (Germany) |
10 ppm |
20 ppm |
Category 4 carcinogen |
Note: VAM can be absorbed through the skin. Exposure limits are established accordingly.
14. STORAGE CONDITIONS
| Parameter |
Requirement |
| Storage Temperature |
5°C - 25°C |
| Maximum Storage Temperature |
30°C (short term) |
| Tank Material |
Stainless steel (316L), carbon steel (lined), aluminum |
| Materials to Avoid |
Copper, brass, iron salts (initiate polymerization) |
| Atmosphere |
Under inert gas (nitrogen) |
| Stabilizer |
MEHQ or hydroquinone (15-25 ppm) |
| Storage Duration |
Stabilized: up to 12 months |
| Special Precautions |
Protect from static electricity; ground all equipment; keep away from catalysts |
15. TRANSPORT INFORMATION
| Parameter |
Information |
| UN Number |
1301 |
| Transport Class (ADR/RID) |
3 (Flammable liquid) |
| Packing Group |
II |
| Marine Pollutant |
No |
| Transport Code |
E |
| Limited Quantity |
1 L |
| Tanker Requirements |
Stainless steel or aluminum tank; inert gas blanketing |
| Special Precautions |
May freeze below -17°C; heated tanker may be required |
16. POLYMERIZATION AND INDUSTRIAL USES
| Application |
Product |
Description |
| Polyvinyl Acetate (PVAc) |
Paints, adhesives, paper coatings |
Largest use area |
| Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH) |
Packaging films, textile sizing |
Produced by hydrolysis of PVAc |
| Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) |
Laminated safety glass (automotive, building) |
PVB films prevent glass shattering |
| Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) |
Hot melt adhesives, films, foams, cables |
Flexibility and adhesion properties |
| Vinyl Acetate-Ethylene (VAE) |
Paints, adhesives, coatings |
Low VOC, water-based systems |
17. COPOLYMERS AND SPECIALTY APPLICATIONS
| Copolymer |
Components |
Application |
| VAE (Vinyl Acetate-Ethylene) |
VAM + Ethylene |
Water-based paints, carpet adhesives |
| EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) |
Ethylene + VAM |
Films, hot melts, shoe soles |
| VAc/VeoVa |
VAM + VeoVa (versatic acid ester) |
Exterior paints, high durability |
| VAc/AA |
VAM + Acrylic Acid |
Textile finishes, paper coatings |
| VAc/Maleate |
VAM + Maleic Acid Esters |
Hair sprays, adhesives |
18. TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE
| Parameter |
Value |
| Acute oral toxicity (rat, LD₅₀) |
2920 mg/kg |
| Acute dermal toxicity (rabbit, LD₅₀) |
>2500 mg/kg |
| Acute inhalation (rat, LC₅₀, 4 hours) |
11.4 mg/L (≈ 3000 ppm) |
| Skin irritation (rabbit) |
Mild irritant |
| Eye irritation (rabbit) |
Moderate to severe irritation |
| Skin sensitization |
Not a sensitizer |
| Reproductive toxicity |
Limited data, suspected |
| Carcinogenicity |
IARC: Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans), NTP: reasonably anticipated |
| Target Organs |
Liver, kidney, respiratory system, nervous system |
19. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
| Parameter |
Value |
| Fish LC₅₀ (96 hour) |
21 mg/L (Pimephales promelas) |
| Daphnia magna EC₅₀ (48 hour) |
46 mg/L |
| Algae EC₅₀ (72 hour) |
221 mg/L |
| Bioaccumulation |
Low (log Kow = 0.73) |
| Soil Mobility |
High (rapidly transported with water) |
| Biodegradability |
Readily biodegradable (OECD 301A: >70% in 28 days) |
| Aquatic Toxicity Class (WGK) |
2 (Germany) – water pollutant |
| Atmospheric Lifetime |
~1 day (reaction with OH radicals) |
20. SUMMARY AND SAFE HANDLING RECOMMENDATIONS
Description: Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) is a fundamental chemical building block used in the production of important polymers such as polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, EVA, and PVB.
Critical Safety Warnings:
| Topic |
Warning |
| Primary hazard |
Highly flammable (-8°C flash point); vapor is explosive |
| Polymerization risk |
Initiates with heat, light, or peroxides; can be violently exothermic |
| Health risk |
Potential carcinogen (IARC Group 2B); absorbed through skin |
| Storage |
Cool, dark, under inert gas, stabilized |
| Transport |
Class 3 flammable liquid; protect from static electricity |
| Never do |
Use near open flame, contact with polymerization initiators, discharge to sewers |
Industrial Importance: VAM has a global annual production of millions of tons and is an indispensable raw material for the paint, adhesive, packaging, textile, glass, and automotive industries.
