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.

Where is Methacrylic anhydride used?

• Polymer chemistry: functionalizing natural and synthetic backbones such as cellulose, chitosan, and polyols
• Coatings, hydrogels, and resins: UV-curable or thermally crosslinkable materials
• Personal care: methacrylated intermediates for film-forming polymers and crosslinked networks in hair fixatives and skin-contact materials
• Dental and biomedical polymers: reagent for methacrylated monomers in adhesive and matrix formulations
• Specialty flavour and fragrance synthesis: acylating reactivity to produce ester intermediates at laboratory and pilot scale
• It enables the synthesis of polymerizable macromonomers and modified polymers.
• Serves as an intermediate in the preparation of fibers and resins.
• Forms a soluble cyclopolymer by free-radical initiation.

Good to know: Typically supplied with inhibitor added to prevent premature polymerization during storage and transport.

Formulation notes

• 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol is used as an inhibitor to prevent spontaneous polymerization.
• May react with cellulose-based absorbents, mineral-based and clay-based absorbents, and dirt or earth.

Typical specification

• Supplied at 94% purity, stabilized with approximately 0.2% 2,4-dimethyl-6-tert-butylphenol.
• Color: colorless to light yellow.

Regulatory status

• Classified as acute toxicity category 4, serious eye damage/eye irritation category 1, skin corrosion/irritation category 2, skin sensitization category 1, and specific target organ toxicity category 3.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Sensitive to moisture and light; store in a cool place.
• Pure form storage: -20°C for 3 years, 4°C for 2 years.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.