Methacrylic acid

Methacrylic Acid (MAA) is an organic compound with the formula CH2=C(CH3)CO2H. This colorless, viscous liquid is a carboxylic acid and is classified as an alpha,beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid. It is soluble in warm water and miscible with most organic solvents. Methacrylic acid is produced industrially on a large scale as a precursor to its esters, especially methyl methacrylate (MMA) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).

Production

Methacrylic acid was first obtained in the form of its ethyl ester by treating hydroquinone with phosphorus pentachloride. It is produced industrially from acetone cyanohydrin, which is converted to methacrylamide sulfate, an intermediate that is then hydrolyzed, yielding the product.

Applications

Methacrylic acid is used in the production of resins and plastics. It is also used in the production of the transparent plastic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which is marketed under the trade names Plexiglas and Lucite.

Safety

Methacrylic acid is a strong irritant to the skin and respiratory tract. It is corrosive to the eyes and can cause burns.

See also

• Acrylic acid
• Methyl methacrylate
• Poly(methyl methacrylate)

References

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Methacrylic_acid

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  Methmethacrylate BPA-glyc