Substance profile
Methacrylic Acid
Methacrylic Acid is clear colorless liquid or colorless crystals with an acrid, repulsive odor.
01 · Identification
What Methacrylic Acid is
Methacrylic Acid is clear colorless liquid or colorless crystals with an acrid, repulsive odor. Its molecular formula is C4H6O2 and its molecular weight is 86.09 g/mol. It boils at 163 °C, melts at 16 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as corrosives.
Other names for Methacrylic Acid
- 2-methylpropenoic acid
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P270, P280, P301, P302, P310, P312, P330, P331, P352
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Methacrylic Acid properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 163 °C (325.4 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 162.78 °C (325 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 162.78 °C (325 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 16 °C (60.8 °F) | HSDB | |
| 16.11 °C (61 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 1.02 g/cm³ | Liquid | NIOSH |
| 1.0153 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.015 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Soluble in chloroform; miscible with ethanol, ether | HSDB | |
| In water solubility, 89 g/L at 20 °C | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| (77 °F): 9% | at 25 °C | NIOSH | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.7 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 0.65 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.99 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 76 °C (168.8 °F) | open cup | HSDB |
| 67.22 °C (153 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 77.22 °C (171 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 400 °C (752 °F) | HSDB | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.6 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 2.4 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 8.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| 2.4 % by volume | OSHA | ||
| Vapor density | 2.97 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Critical temperature and pressure | 370 °C (698 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Forms corrosive liquid at melting point | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Methacrylic Acid
Storage conditions
Prior to working with this chemical you should be trained on its proper handling and storage. Before entering confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from oxidizers (such as perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates and nitrates). Methacrylic acid should be stored at temperatures below 15 degrees C. Sources of ignition such as smoking and open flames are prohibited where Methacrylic acid is handled, used, or stored. Wherever Methacrylic acid is used, handled, manufactured, or stored, use explosion-proof electrical equipment and fittings.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Oxidizers, elevated temperatures, hydrochloric acid [Note: Typically contains 100 ppm of the monomethyl ether of hydroquinone to prevent polymerization].
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
METHACRYLIC ACID reacts with strong oxidizing agents. Presents a storage hazard: violent exothermic polymerizations leading to explosion can occur spontaneously, particularly at low inhibitor or stabilizer concentrations [Anon., CISHC Chem. Safety Summ., 1979, 50, p. 34; Bond, J., Loss Prev. Bull., 1991, 101, p. 1].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Methacrylic Acid in the storage compatibility matrix →