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Methacrylic acid

CAS Number
79-41-4
EC Number
201-204-4
Chemical Formula
C4H6O2
Molecular Weight
86.09 g/mol
Industries:Personal Care & CosmeticsFood & NutritionPlastics & Polymers

Description

Methacrylic acid (CAS 79-41-4 ), commonly abbreviated as MAA, is a reactive monomer and organic acid used as a foundational building block in polymer synthesis. It enables the production of acrylate and methacrylate copolymers that underpin a broad range of industrial and consumer materials. In plastics and polymer manufacturing, MAA is copolymerized with acrylates, styrene, or vinyl monomers to produce resins with controlled adhesion, flexibility, and pH-responsive behavior. These characteristics are critical for coatings, adhesives, and ion-exchange materials. Personal care formulators incorporate MAA-based polymers into carbomer-type thickeners, film formers, and fixative resins used in haircare and skincare products. These polymers provide the necessary texture and performance required for modern cosmetic formulations. In specialty coatings and dispersions, MAA content determines carboxyl group density, directly influencing crosslink density and substrate adhesion in industrial finishes. This allows for the creation of durable surfaces that withstand harsh environmental conditions. Pharmaceutical and controlled-release applications use MAA copolymers to engineer enteric coatings that govern drug release profiles. These systems ensure that active ingredients are delivered effectively within the human body at the correct physiological stage. Methacrylic acid is supplied as a liquid, typically with inhibitor added to prevent premature polymerization during storage and transport. Standard commercial grades include technical and glacial specifications to meet various industrial needs. Purity levels are commonly at 99% or higher for polymerization-grade material, ensuring consistent performance in sensitive chemical reactions. Bulk quantities are available in drums, IBCs, and isotank shipments for global distribution. Contact us for supply of Methacrylic acid Request Quote

Other Names (Synonyms)

methylacrylic acid | alpha-methylacrylic acid | alpha-methacrylic acid | 2-Methylpropenoic acid | 2-methylenepropionic acid | 2-Methylacrylic acid | 2-methyl-2-propenoic acid | 2-methylprop-2-enoic acid | MAA

Key Technical Features

  • High Purity Grade standard
  • Consistent Batch Quality
  • Full Regulatory & REACH Support
  • Global Logistics Network enabled

Physical Properties

Melting Point16 °C
Boiling Point163 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density1.0153 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point170 °F
Appearancecolourless liquid or crystals with an unpleasant odour.
ColorClear
OdorRepulsive
FormLiquid
Water Solubility9.7 g/100 mL (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure1 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Indexn 20/D 1.431(lit.)
pH2.0-2.2 (100g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P0.93 at 22℃

Safety & Handling

Danger
GHS05· CorrosiveGHS07· IrritantGHS06· ToxicGHS08· Health Hazard

Hazard Statements

H227Combustible liquid
H302Harmful if swallowed
H304May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
H311Toxic in contact with skin
H312Harmful in contact with skin
H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H318Causes serious eye damage
H332Harmful if inhaled
H335May cause respiratory irritation
H370Causes damage to organs
H372Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H373May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H402Harmful to aquatic life

Precautionary Statements

P210Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P260Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P261Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P262Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing.
P264Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
P273Avoid release to the environment.
P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
P317Get emergency medical help.
P319Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
P321Specific treatment (see … on this label).
P330Rinse mouth.
P331Do NOT induce vomiting.
P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
P403Store in a well-ventilated place.
P405Store locked up.
P501Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations.
P265Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
P317Get emergency medical help.
P352IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P340IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
P364Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
P364Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
P378Use … for extinction.
P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
P331Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
P354IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
P338IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29161300
UN Number2531
ADR Class8
Packing GroupII
Storage Class6.1C - Combustible acute toxic Cat.3 toxic compounds or compounds which causing chronic effects
WGK (Germany)1