Methacrylic anhydride

Methacrylic anhydride (CAS 760-93-0) is a reactive organic anhydride derived from methacrylic acid, commercially known under trade names including Norsocryl 500 and NSC 24159. It carries no assigned E-code and is catalogued under EC 212-084-8. The compound is handled as a clear liquid monomer and building block in industrial synthesis.

In polymer chemistry, methacrylic anhydride functions as a reactive monomer and surface-modification agent, introducing methacrylate groups onto substrates such as cellulose or proteins to enable subsequent free-radical polymerization. In food and fragrance applications, it serves as a chemical intermediate for synthesizing flavoring compounds, contributing acidity-modifying and ester-forming reactivity to the synthesis pathway.

Methacrylic anhydride is supplied in liquid form and falls under REACH registration requirements for EU procurement. Buyers should confirm grade specifications against intended application standards, as food-contact and cosmetic uses require documented purity profiles. It is classified under HS code 29161900 for import and export purposes.