Substance profile
Methyl methacrylate
Methyl methacrylate is a colorless volatile liquid with a characteristic quality: sulfur-like, sweet, sharp; hedonic tone: unpleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What Methyl methacrylate is
Methyl methacrylate is a colorless volatile liquid with a characteristic quality: sulfur-like, sweet, sharp; hedonic tone: unpleasant odor. Its molecular formula is C5H8O2 and its molecular weight is 100.12 g/mol. It boils at 101 °C, melts at -47.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for Methyl methacrylate
- MMA
- Acryester M
- Acrylic Acid, 2-Methyl-, Methyl Ester
- Diakon
- Methacrylate Monomer
- Methacrylic Acid Methyl Ester
- Methacrylic Acid, Methyl Ester
- 2-(Methoxycarbonyl)-1-Propene
- Methyl 2-Methyl-2-Propenoate
- Methyl 2-Methylacrylate
- Methyl A-Methylacrylate
- Methyl Alpha-Methylacrylate
- Methyl Ester Of Methacrylic Acid
- methyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate
- methyl 2-methylpropenoate
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. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
Precautionary statements: P210, P233, P241, P242, P261, P264, P272, P280, P302, P313, P332, P333, P352, P403
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Methyl methacrylate 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 | 100.5 °C (212.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 101.11 °C (214 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 101 °C (213.8 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -47.55 °C (-53.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -47.78 °C (-54 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 0.94 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.945 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.9337 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in methyl ethyl ketone, tetrahydrofuran, esters, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons | HSDB | |
| Miscible with ethanol, ethyl ether, acetone; soluble in chloroform | HSDB | ||
| 1.500 lb/100 lb water at 68.02 °F | at 20.01 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 29 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 38.5 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 40 mmHg | at 25.5 °C | CAMEO | |
| Flash point | 10 °C (50 °F) | open cup | HSDB |
| 12.78 °C (55 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 10 °C (50 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 435 °C (815 °F) | HSDB | |
| 421.11 °C (790 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 421 °C (789.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.7 % by volume | HSDB | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 8.2 % by volume | by volume | HSDB |
| 8.2 % by volume | HSDB | ||
| Vapor density | 3.45 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.5 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Odor threshold | 0.05 ppm | HSDB | |
| 0.21 ppm | HSDB | ||
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.01 [ppm] | Haz-Map | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 293.89 °C (561 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Methyl methacrylate
Storage conditions
Before entering confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Methyl methacrylate must be stored to avoid contact with oxidizers, such as nitrates, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorates, and peroxides; strong alkalis, such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, and strong acids, such as nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid, since violent reactions occur. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from light, heat, and ionizing radiation, because methyl methacrylate will react and release heat quickly causing an explosion. Store with an appropriate inhibitor. Lack of an appropriate inhibitor may cause an explosive reaction.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
... Can react with oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
METHYL METHACRYLATE MONOMER, may polymerize if contaminated or subjected to heat. If polymerization takes place in a container, the container is subject to violent rupture. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick 1979. p.151-154, 164]. Peroxides may also initiate exothermic polymierization of the bulk material [Bretherick 1979. p. 160]. Benzoyl peroxide was weighed into a beaker that had previously been rinsed with methyl methacrylate. The peroxide catalyzed polymerization of the methyl methacrylate and the build-up of heat ignited the remaining peroxide [MCA Case History 996. 1964].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Methyl methacrylate in the storage compatibility matrix →
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