Methacrylic acid
CAS 79-41-4
EC 201-204-4
Formula C4H6O2
MW 86.09 g/mol
Monomers & Building Blocks Plastics & PolymersFood & NutritionPersonal Care & Cosmetics Polymerization InitiationpH Regulation & BufferingFlavoring & AcidulantPreservation & Biocide
Description
Methacrylic acid (CAS 79-41-4, EC 201-204-4), also known as 2-methylacrylic acid or alpha-methylacrylic acid, is a reactive organic acid with the molecular formula C4H6O2. It carries no assigned E-code and is not classified as a food additive under EU regulations.
In plastics and polymer manufacturing, methacrylic acid serves as a functional monomer that copolymerises with acrylates and methacrylates to introduce carboxylic acid groups, enabling pH-responsive behaviour and improved adhesion in coatings and dispersions. In personal care formulations, it acts as a buffering agent and contributes antimicrobial activity at controlled concentrations.
Methacrylic acid is available in technical and polymer grades as a stabilised liquid, typically supplied in drums or IBC containers. It falls under REACH regulation and requires an up-to-date Safety Data Sheet for EU trade. Buyers should confirm inhibitor content and storage conditions when specifying grade for polymerisation applications.
In plastics and polymer manufacturing, methacrylic acid serves as a functional monomer that copolymerises with acrylates and methacrylates to introduce carboxylic acid groups, enabling pH-responsive behaviour and improved adhesion in coatings and dispersions. In personal care formulations, it acts as a buffering agent and contributes antimicrobial activity at controlled concentrations.
Methacrylic acid is available in technical and polymer grades as a stabilised liquid, typically supplied in drums or IBC containers. It falls under REACH regulation and requires an up-to-date Safety Data Sheet for EU trade. Buyers should confirm inhibitor content and storage conditions when specifying grade for polymerisation applications.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 16 °C |
| Boiling Point | 163 °C @ Press: 760 Torr |
| Density | 1.0153 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 170 °F |
| Appearance | colourless liquid or crystals with an unpleasant odour. |
| Color | Clear |
| Odor | Repulsive |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | 9.7 g/100 mL (20 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 1 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.431(lit.) |
| pH | 2.0-2.2 (100g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | 0.93 at 22℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS05 GHS07 GHS06 GHS08
H
H227H302H304H311H312H314H318H332H335H370H372H373H402
P
P210P260P261P262P264P270P271P273P280P316P317P319P321P330P331P363P403P405P501P264+P265P301+P316P301+P317P302+P352P304+P340P308+P316P361+P364P362+P364P370+P378P403+P233P301+P330+P331P302+P361+P354P305+P354+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29161300 |
| UN Number | 2531 |
| ADR Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Storage Class | 6.1C - Combustible acute toxic Cat.3 toxic compounds or compounds which causing chronic effects |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Other Names
2-methylprop-2-enoic acidmethylacrylic acidMAAGE 110Loctite 3298Norsocryl MAAα-Methacrylic acid
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Raw Materials
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