Methacrylic anhydride

Methacrylic anhydride (CAS 760-93-0), also known as methacryloyl anhydride, is a reactive acylating agent used to introduce methacryloyl functional groups onto hydroxyl- or amine-bearing substrates. It enables the synthesis of polymerizable macromonomers and modified polymers across specialty chemical manufacturing. In polymer chemistry, it is used to functionalize natural and synthetic backbones.

This includes cellulose, chitosan, and polyols, creating UV-curable or thermally crosslinkable materials for coatings, hydrogels, and resins. Personal care formulators use methacrylated intermediates derived from this reagent. These intermediates help build film-forming polymers and crosslinked networks in hair fixatives and skin-contact materials. In dental and biomedical polymer applications, it serves as a key reagent.

It is used for producing methacrylated monomers used in adhesive and matrix formulations. Specialty flavor and fragrance synthesis also draws on its acylating reactivity to produce ester intermediates. These processes occur at both laboratory and pilot scale. The product is supplied as a liquid, typically with inhibitor added to prevent premature polymerization during storage and transport.

Technical and reagent grades are the most commonly available, with purity levels generally ranging from 94% to 99%+. Packaging options typically include drums and intermediate bulk containers. Industrial quantities are standard, with smaller laboratory-scale packaging available from fine chemical suppliers. This ensures flexibility for various manufacturing and research requirements.