Glacial Methacrylic Acid
Glacial methacrylic acid comes in the form of a clear, colourless liquid at room temperature. It has a pungent odour and is soluble in water and most organic solvents. It is a versatile chemical which is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of methacrylic acid esters.
It is useful in the production of polymers and as an additive in alkyl and speciality esters, ionomer resins and plastics because of the properties of clarity and weatherability it imbues. See Applications for further details.
Synonyms: Acid Metacrilic; .alpha.-Methylacrylicacid; 2-Methyl-2-propenoic acid; 2-methyl-2-Propenoicacid; 2-Methyl-2-propensαure; 2-methyl-acrylicaci; 2-methylene-propionicaci; 2-methylenepropionicacid; 2-Methylpropencicacid
Applications of Glacial Methacrylic Acid
Glacial methacrylic acid polymerizes readily. It is a carboxylic acid which may be converted by conventional methods to methacrylates, N-substituted methacryl amides, methacrylamide, N-substituted methacryl amides and acryloyl chloride.
Glacial methacrylic acid can be used in the production of homopolymers and copolymers. When incorporated into copolymers it lowers the softening temperature and reduces hardness. It provides improved adhesion and flexibility in polymers for paints and adhesives.
Glacial methacrylic acid is used in polymers for end products including paints, varnishes, surface coatings, ion exchange, flocculants, soil improvers and auxiliary products for the leather and textile industry.
Storage and Handling
Contact with the product causes severe irritation and burns to the skin. Inhalation of vapours causes severe irritation to the respiratory tract. Contact of the liquid or vapour with the eyes can cause severe damage. Ingestion can cause chemical burns to the mouth and throat and may cause permanent injury or even death. Stringent safety precautions including ventilation and the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment and eye goggles must be strictly observed.
Glacial methacrylic acid must contain a stabilizer and should be stored under air rather than inert gases to prevent polymerization. Storage temperature must not exceed 35°C and ideally no more than 25°C. To prevent freezing, it should not be allowed to drop below 18°C. Avoid exposure to excessive heat, acids, oxidising agents, reducing agents, direct sunlight, free radical initiators, organic peroxides and mild steel. Provided these storage conditions are properly maintained, the product can be expected to remain stable for a period of one year.
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