Ethyl Methacrylate

Flammable agents - 3rd degree

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

Cosmetic ingredients (Ethyl Methacrylate) -> CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review)

Viscosity controlling

log Kow = 1.94

1.94

0.9151 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water; will float

0.9135 g/cu cm at 20 °C

Relative density (water = 1): 0.91

0.9151

0.911 @25 °C

5 to 10 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)

Slightly soluble in chloroform; miscible with ethanol, ethyl ether

Insoluble in water

In water, 5.4X10+3 mg/L at 25 °C

Solubility in water: poor

Danger

H225: Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P272, P280, P302+P352, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P333+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P233, P403+P235, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for < 0.1% (1 of 1196) of reports.

Danger

H225 (> 99.9%): Highly Flammable liquid and vapor [Danger Flammable liquids]

Chemical: 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, ethyl ester

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000 (Repealed by Com. Implementing Reg. (EU) No 872/2012)

2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, ethyl ester is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, ethyl ester are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

Status: Active Update: 24-03-2023 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/13871

2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, ethyl ester: HSNO Approval: HSR001044 Approved with controls

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Behavior in Fire: Sealed containers may rupture explosively if hot. Heat can cause a violent polymerization reaction with rapid release of energy. Vapors are heavier than air and can travel to a source of ignition and flash back. (USCG, 1999)

· HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.

Highly flammable. Vapour/air mixtures are explosive.

A very dangerous fire and explosion hazard when exposed to heat, sparks, or flame; can react with oxidizing materials.

The low flash points of the lower methacrylates create a fire hazard, & these compounds can form explosive mixtures with air ... /Methacrylates/

Inhalation may cause irritation of the mucous membrane. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach. Contact with liquid irritates eyes and skin. (USCG, 1999)

· May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin.

A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; Can cause skin sensitization; Causes lachrymation; [ICSC] Reports of occupational contact dermatitis; A lachrymator; Inhalation of high vapor concentrations may cause symptoms of CNS depression; [HSDB] An irritant and lachrymator; May cause skin sensitization; [Aldrich MSDS] Occupational asthma reported in cosmetologists; [Reference #1] Ethyl methacrylate, stabilized (UN2277) has warning of explosive polymerization; [ERG 2016]

European Commission, ESIS; IUCLID Dataset, Methyl methacrylate (80-62-6) (2000 CD-ROM edition) contains information on use, toxicology, and environmental effects of this chemical as supplied to the European Union by industry.[Available from, as of February 24, 2010: http://esis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/]

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development; Screening Information Data Set for Short Chain Alkyl Methacrylates, CAS Nos. 97-63-2, 97-86-9, 97-88-1, 688-84-6 (April 2004). This OECD Initial Assessment of HPV Chemicals is part of a series of OECD SIDS documents published by UNEP Chemicals to facilitate the access to information needed for health and environmental risk assessments of chemicals.[Available from, as of February 16, 2010: http://www.oecd.org/document/63/0,2340,en_2649_34379_1897983_1_1_1_1,00.html]

Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel; Int J Toxicol 21 (Suppl 1): 63-79 (2002). This report is supported by an industry association to evaluate the safety of chemicals used in cosmetics.

U118; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when ethyl methacrylate, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).

Excerpt from ERG Guide 130 [Flammable Liquids (Water-Immiscible / Noxious); polymerization hazard]:

Use powder, AFFF, foam, carbon dioxide. In case of fire: keep drums, etc., cool by spraying with water.

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap. Refer for medical attention .

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink. Do NOT induce vomiting. Refer for medical attention .

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

General First Aid:

Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or alcohol foam extinguishers. Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Vapors may travel long distances to ignition sources and flashback. Vapors in confined areas may explode when exposed to fire. Containers may explode in fire. Storage containers and parts of containers may rocket great distances, in many directions. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agencies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streams are ineffective (venting sound increases in volume and pitch, tank discolors or shows any signs of deforming), withdraw immediately to a secure position.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may spread fire. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbond dioxide. Evacuation: If fire becomes uncontrollable or container is exposed to direct flame, consider evacuation of 1/3 mile radius.

Evacuation: If fire becomes uncontrollable or container is exposed to direct flame, consider evacuation of 1/3 mile radius.

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). Sources of ignition, such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where ethyl methacrylate is handled, used, or stored. Metal containers involving the transfer of 5 gallons or more of ethyl methacrylate should be grounded and bonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves, pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening and closing containers of ethyl methacrylate.

Storage temp: below 38 °C (100 °F).

Acrylic resin ... /monomers, such as ethyl methacrylate/ polymerize readily in the presence of light, heat, or catalysts such as benzoyl peroxide; they must be stored ... with inhibitors present to avoid spontaneous & explosive polymerization.

The effectiveness of phenolic inhibitors, eg, monomethyl ether of hydroquinone & hydroquinone, depends on the presence of oxygen. Monomers inhibited with these materials must be stored in air rather than in an inert atmosphere. Contamination must be avoided; eg, moisture may cause rust-initiated polymerization. Temperatures during storage must be kept low to minimize formation of peroxides & other oxidation products. ... In general, the methacrylate monomers should not be stored for longer than 1 year. ... The methacrylic esters may be stored in mild steel (low carbon), stainless steel, or aluminum. /Methacrylate monomers/

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

Spill Handling: Evacuate and restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Establish forced ventilation to keep levels below explosive limit. Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, peat, carbon, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. Keep ethyl methacrylate out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the build-up of explosive concentrations. It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters.

Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U118, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.

A good candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids. A good candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids.

LC50; Species: Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow trout); Conditions: flow-through; Concentration: 100 mg/L for 96 hr

EC50; Species: Brachionus calyciflorus (Rotifer, age <2 hr); Conditions: freshwater, static, 25 °C, pH 7.5; Concentration: 250 mg/L for 48 hr (95% confidence interval: 0-620 mg/L); Effect: decreased reproduction (progeny count/ numbers) /99.1% purity/

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (water flea); Conditions: flow-through; Concentration: >66 mg/L for 48 hr; Effect: Immobilization

EC50; Species: Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (algae); Conditions: static, closed vessel; Concentration: >110 mg/L for 72 hr; Effect: growth rate

EC50; Species: Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata (algae); Conditions: static, closed vessel; Concentration: 72 mg/L for 72 hr; Effect: growth rate

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 17(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that ethyl methacrylate is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of ethyl methacrylate from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.7X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 20.6 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 5,400 mg/L(4). Ethyl methacrylate is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(3). Ethyl methacrylate has reported biodegradation rates of 69% and 79% in 28 days utilizing the Closed Bottle test(5,6) indicating that it is readily biodegradable in soil(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 17(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that ethyl methacrylate is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.7X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 20.6 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 5,400 mg/L(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 5 hours and 5 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 9(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.94(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important process(SRC) based on estimated hydrolysis half-lives of 68 and 6.8 years at pHs 7 and 8, respectively(9). Ethyl methacrylate has reported biodegradation rates of 69% and 79% in 28 days utilizing the Closed Bottle test(10,11) indicating that it is readily biodegradable in water(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 17(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that ethyl methacrylate is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 5.7X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 20.6 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 5,400 mg/L(5). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 5 hours and 5 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(6), an estimated BCF of 9(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.94(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important process(SRC) based on estimated hydrolysis half-lives of 68 and 6.8 years at pHs 7 and 8, respectively(9). Ethyl methacrylate has reported biodegradation rates of 69% and 79% in 28 days utilizing the Closed Bottle test(10,11) indicating that it is readily biodegradable in water(SRC).

Based on the available data on the formulation of nail products containing Ethyl Methacrylate, the CIR Expert Panel concludes that this ingredient is safe as used when application is accompanied by directions to avoid skin contact because of the sensitizing potential of Ethyl Methacrylate.

Safe for use in cosmetics, with qualifications

Sore throat. Cough.

Redness. Pain.

Watering of the eyes. Redness. Pain.

Vomiting. Abdominal pain. Diarrhoea. Nausea.

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of ethyl methacrylate can be estimated to be 17(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that ethyl acrylate is expected to have very high mobility in soil.

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ... In 542 dermatitis patients given covered patch tests with 1% EMA or 1% nBMA in petrolatum, one individual responded to EMA and another to both EMA and nBMA ... No reactions were seen in 22 contact dermatitis patients given 24-hr covered patch tests with esters within the category at a concentration of 1% in petrolatum ... The contact dermatitis of many of the tested individuals was attributed to (meth)acrylate exposure ... The prevalence of positive clinical challenge responses /was reported/ in dental clinicians that had been referred with dermatitis and suspected of having allergy to (meth)acrylates as 1.2% (51/4221) for MMA, 0.7% (16/2323) for EMA and 0.3% (1/347) for BMA ... The prevalence in a similar, pre-selected clinical cohort /was reported/ as 0.8% (9/1161) for MMA and 0.3% (2/625) for EMA ... The prevalence of positive clinical challenge tests in patients referred with dermatitis with previous contact with (meth)acrylates was reported as 4.8% (17/352) for MMA, 4.4% (11/246) for EMA and 0.6% (2/331) for BMA ... Cross-reactivity with common acrylates (i.e. between methacrylates and acrylates) has not been observed ... and methacrylic acid, the common hydrolysis product for these methacrylate esters, is not a contact allergen ... /Short chain alkyl-methacrylate esters/

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ Ethyl Methacrylate was tested on 542 dermatitis patients using either the A1-Test (Imeco Agency, Sweden) or the Finn Chamber method. Each subject was exposed for 48 hours to 1% Ethyl Methacrylate in petrolatum, and scoring was conducted at 48 and 96 hours. Only one subject developed signs of irritation. Four subjects who were sensitive to methyl methacrylate were also tested with Ethyl Methacrylate. No cross-reactions were observed ...

/HUMAN EXPOSURE STUDIES/ ... In 542 dermatitis patients given covered patch tests with 1% EMA or 1% nBMA in petrolatum, one individual responded to EMA and another to both EMA and nBMA ... No reactions were seen in 22 contact dermatitis patients given 24-hr covered patch tests with esters within the category at a concentration of 1% in petrolatum ... The contact dermatitis of many of the tested individuals was attributed to (meth)acrylate exposure ... The prevalence of positive clinical challenge responses /was reported/ in dental clinicians that had been referred with dermatitis and suspected of having allergy to (meth)acrylates as 1.2% (51/4221) for MMA, 0.7% (16/2323) for EMA and 0.3% (1/347) for BMA ... The prevalence in a similar, pre-selected clinical cohort /was reported/ as 0.8% (9/1161) for MMA and 0.3% (2/625) for EMA ... The prevalence of positive clinical challenge tests in patients referred with dermatitis with previous contact with (meth)acrylates was reported as 4.8% (17/352) for MMA, 4.4% (11/246) for EMA and 0.6% (2/331) for BMA ... Cross-reactivity with common acrylates (i.e. between methacrylates and acrylates) has not been observed ... and methacrylic acid, the common hydrolysis product for these methacrylate esters, is not a contact allergen ... /Short chain alkyl-methacrylate esters/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ ... Acrylates ... have the potential to cause respiratory symptoms, most commonly asthma.

For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Ethyl methacrylate (15 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Ethyl methacrylate's production and use in acrylic polymers used to build automotive, aerospace, and furniture components, and in the manufacture of paint and coatings; in ethyl methacrylate polymers used in making dentures, contact lenses, and artificial fingernails(1); and as a chemical intermediate(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC).

AEROBIC: In a Closed Bottle test, ethyl methacrylate released 69% of theoretical carbon dioxide evolution after 28 days(1). Ethyl methacrylate has been listed as being "well biodegradable" in the Japanese MITI test which utilizes 100 ppm test compound incubated at 25 °C for 2 weeks in activated sludge at 30 ppm(2). Ethyl methacrylate was found to biodegrade 79% in 28 days using the OECD 301D method, classifying it as readily biodegradable(3).

An estimated BCF of 9 was calculated in fish for ethyl methacrylate(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.94(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for ethyl methacrylate is estimated as 5.7X10-4 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 20.6 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 5,400 mg/L(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that ethyl methacrylate is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(3). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 5 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 5 days(SRC). Ethyl methacrylate's estimated Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). The potential for volatilization of ethyl methacrylate from dry soil surfaces may exist(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(1).

U118; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when ethyl methacrylate, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).

All persons who manufacture (including import or manufacture as a byproduct) or process or intend to manufacture or process one or more of the substances in paragraph c of this section, other than as an impurity, after July 29, 1988, to the end of the reimbursement period shall submit letters of intent to conduct testing, submit study plans, conduct tests, and submit data, or submit exemption applications for those substances they manufacture or process, or intend to manufacture or process, as specified in this section, subpart A of this part, and parts 790 and 792 of this chapter for single-phase rulemaking. Ethyl methacrylate is included on this list. Required testing: hydrolysis.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV.D.3.b).

Methyl methacrylate and other short chain alkyl-methacrylate esters are initially hydrolyzed by non-specific carboxylesterases to methacrylic acid and the structurally corresponding alcohol in several tissues. /Short chain alkyl-methacrylate esters/

Methacrylate esters can conjugate with glutathione (GSH) in vitro, although they show a low reactivity, since the addition of a nucleophile at the double bond is hindered by the alpha-methyl side-group ... Hence, ester hydrolysis is considered to be the major metabolic pathway for alkyl-methacrylate esters, with GSH conjugation only playing a minor role in their metabolism, and then possibly only when very high tissue concentrations are achieved. /Short chain alkyl-methacrylate esters/

Acrylates and methacrylates are detoxified predominantly via conjugation with glutathione via the Michael addition reaction or glutathione-S-transferase. They are also likely to be hydrolyzed via carboxylesterases. The lower molecular weight esters are rapidly metabolized and eliminated, therefore, will not likely cause cumulative toxicity.

Small quantities of methacrylates may readily be metabolized by saponification into the alcohol & methacrylic acid. The latter may form an acetyl CoA derivative, which then enters the normal lipid metabolism. /Methacrylates/

For more Metabolism/Metabolites (Complete) data for Ethyl methacrylate (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

CIR ingredient: Ethyl Methacrylate

Acrylates and methacrylates are monomers that are combined with other monomers or polymers to produce plastics used in cosmetics, medicine, dentistry, and manufacturing industries. [Marks, p. 181] Used to make polymers with applications in building, automotive, aerospace, and furniture industries and in dentures, paints, coatings, contact lenses, and cosmetics; Also used as chemical intermediate; [HSDB]

Plastic Composites Manufacturing [Category: Industry]

Ethyl methacrylate is used to make polymers, which in turn are used for building, automotive, aerospace, and furniture industries.

Used as a comonomer in acrylic polymers for surface coating resins, acrylic emulsion polymers for polishes, etc; comonomer in denture-base material; and used as a chemical intermediate

Butyl or ethyl methacrylate copolymers with hydrophilic hydroxyethyl methacrylate & relatively large amounts of the cross-linking agent triethylene glycol dimethacrylate produces hard hydrophilic polymers that can be machined into hard contact lens with wettable surfaces.

Typical impurities include Methyl Acrylic Acid (MAA) (CAS 79-41-4) or MMA (CAS 80-62-6) (depending whether the direct esterification or trans-esterification route is used), the unreacted alcohol and water. In the case of EMA produced by the trans-esterification route, methyl- and ethyl acetate are present as minor impurities rather than ethanol.

2023: 2,500,000 - <4,000,000 lb

2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, ethyl ester is listed as a High Production Volume (HPV) chemical (65FR81686). Chemicals listed as HPV were produced in or imported into the U.S. in >1 million pounds in 1990 and/or 1994. The HPV list is based on the 1990 Inventory Update Rule. (IUR) (40 CFR part 710 subpart B; 51FR21438).

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule. [Table#3108]

Production volume for non-confidential chemicals reported under the 2006 Inventory Update Rule. Chemical: 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, ethyl ester. Aggreated National Production Volume: 1 to < 10 million lbs.

Automotive coatings 63%, nail sculpturing 16%, inks 11%, dental products 7%, others 3%

The most important products prepared from methacrylate compounds are polymers. The physical properties of polymers of methacrylate esters can be modified for different uses by suitable changes in the alkyl portion of the molecule, eg, by varying carbon chain length or by introducing a functional group. The largest use of methacrylates is in plastics. /Methacrylate compounds/

Reaction of methacrylic acid or methyl methacrylate with ethyl alcohol in the presence of a mineral acid.

... Made by a reaction between ethanol and methyl methacrylate (transesterification). The catalyst is sodium alcoolate. Extraction by methanol.

Commercial production of ... methacrylates, which began in ... 1933 ... from acetone cyanohydrin (ACN) involved conversion of acetone cyanohydrin to alpha-hydroxybutyrate ester followed by dehydration to the methacrylate with phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5). In 1934, a process was patented for converting acetone cyanohydrin to methacrylamide sulfate which is hydrolyzed & esterfied to the methacrylate ester; this process forms the basis for all contemporary commercial methacrylate production. /Methacrylates/

Grade: Technical (inhibited).

Typical inhibitor, 15 ppm monomethyl ether of hydroquinone

Commercial products contain hydroquinone methyl ester or similar polymerization inhibitors.

Rhoplex AC-33 (Rohm and Haas)

Fragrance Ingredients

Cosmetics -> Viscosity controlling

All Other Basic Organic Chemical Manufacturing

2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, ethyl ester: ACTIVE

Alkyl mercury compounds have been used as seed disinfectants and for fungicides. They have also been used in organic synthesis. /Mercury alkyl compounds/

... Polymerized esters /of methacrylic acids/ ... especially the methyl, ethyl, and butyl esters, are known under trade names of "lucite", "plexiglass", and "perspex" ... widely used as substitutes for glass ...

Methacrylic acid ... was prepared in 1865 from ethyl methacrylate which was obtained by dehydrating ethyl alpha-hydroxyisobutyrate.

Soft polymers for coating dental prostheses consist of copolymers of 10-50% of an alkyl or alkoxyalkyl ester of acrylic or methacrylic acid & 50-90% of a polymerizable butadiene polymer having an average of approx 2 ethylenically unsaturated end groups. At one step in preparation of the soft polymer, the resultant resin was mixed with 30 wt % ethyl methacrylate & the mixture combined with a dispersion of benzoyl peroxide in oleic acid. The composition was placed on dental prothesis in a thin layer & hardened overnight in a dry oven at 100 °C.