Substance profile
Methyl Acrylate
Methyl Acrylate is a colorless volatile liquid with an acrid odor.
01 · Identification
What Methyl Acrylate is
Methyl Acrylate is a colorless volatile liquid with an acrid odor. Its molecular formula is C4H6O2 and its molecular weight is 86.09 g/mol. It boils at 80.1 °C, melts at -75.6 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
Other names for Methyl Acrylate
- methyl propenoate
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 |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P260, P261, P264, P270, P271, P272, P280, P301, P302, P304, P305, P310, P312, P313, P330, P332, P333, P337, P338, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Methyl Acrylate 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 | 80.1 °C (176.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 80 °C (176 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 80.5 °C (176.9 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -75.6 °C (-104.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -76.67 °C (-106 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -76.5 °C (-105.7 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| Density | 0.9586 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 0.9535 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water | HSDB | |
| Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, acetone, chloroform, benzene | HSDB | ||
| In water, 4.94X10+4 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 65 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 65 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 86.6 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | -3 °C (26.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -2.78 °C (27 °F) | HSDB | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 468.33 °C (875 °F) | HSDB | |
| 468 °C (874.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.8 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 25 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Vapor density | 2.97 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3 (air = 1) | CAMEO | ||
| Odor threshold | Smell can be detected at a concentration of about 20 ppm | HSDB | |
| Water: 0.0021 mg/L; Air: 0.0048 uL/L; odor safety class A; A= More than 90% of distracted persons perceive warning of TLV concentration in the air. | HSDB | ||
| 0.017 mg/cu m (air) | HSDB | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 263 °C (505.4 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Methyl Acrylate
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature 2-8 °C. Light sensitive.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Oxidizing agents, peroxides.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
METHYL ACRYLATE ignites readily when exposed to heat, flame or sparks. Offers a dangerous fire and explosion hazard. Reacts vigorously with strong oxidizing materials. Forms peroxides when exposed to air that may initiate spontaneous exothermic polymerization. Peroxide formation usually proceeds slowly. Added inhibitor retards polymerization. If the inhibitor is consumed during long storage, explosive polymerization may occur [MCA Case History No. 2033]. Also subject to strongly exothermic polymerization if heated for prolonged periods or contaminated.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Methyl Acrylate in the storage compatibility matrix →