Vinyl acetate
Description
Vinyl acetate (CAS 108-05-4), commercially known as VAM or vinyl acetate monomer, is a reactive liquid monomer used as the primary building block for a range of polymer systems.
It undergoes polymerization to produce polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and serves as a co-monomer in ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) production processes.
In adhesives and packaging, VAM polymerizes into PVAc emulsions used in wood glues, paper laminates, and flexible packaging coatings for various industrial applications.
Textile and nonwoven manufacturers use EVA copolymers derived from VAM for binder systems and fabric finishing treatments to enhance material durability and performance.
In the plastics sector, VAM co-polymerizes with ethylene to produce EVA resins used in foam compounds, hot-melt adhesives, and flexible film extrusion for global markets.
At flavor-grade purity, vinyl acetate also functions as a synthetic flavoring intermediate in food and fragrance applications, meeting specific industry requirements for safety.
Vinyl acetate is supplied as a stabilized liquid monomer, typically inhibited with hydroquinone to prevent premature polymerization during storage and transport phases.
It is available in technical and monomer grades, with high-purity specifications meeting requirements for polymer-grade and flavor applications in bulk tankers or drums.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -93.2 °C |
| Boiling Point | 72.7 °C |
| Density | 0.932 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 20 °F |
| Appearance | Vinyl acetate is a colorless, flammable liquid. The odor threshold is 0.12 ppm 0.3 ppm (NY, NJ). |
| Color | Clear colorless to almost colorless |
| Odor | char. odor |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | 23 g/L (20 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 88 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.395(lit.) |
| pH | 7 (20g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | 0.73 at 20℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29153200 |
| UN Number | 1301 |
| ADR Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Storage Class | 3 - Flammable liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Documentation
Other Names
vinyl ethanoate|vinyl acetate monomer|Ethenyl ethanoate|Ethenyl acetate|Acetic acid vinyl ester|acetic acid ethenyl ester|1-acetoxyethylene|VAC|VAM
Related Products
Need a chemical? Get a quote within 24 hours.