Methyl acrylate (C4H6O2) is a chemical compound used in the production of paints, adhesives, and coatings. It possesses a strong odor and can cause skin and eye irritation.
| IUPAC Name | Methyl 2-propenoate |
| Molecular Formula | C4H6O2 |
| CAS Number | 96-33-3 |
| Synonyms | Acrylic acid methyl ester, Methyl propenoate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C4H6O2/c1-3-6-4(2)5/h3H,1H2,2H3 |
Methyl Acrylate Properties
Methyl Acrylate Formula
The formula of methyl propenoate is C4H6O2. It consists of four carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. The arrangement of these atoms in the molecule gives methyl propenoate its unique properties.
Methyl Acrylate Molar Mass
The molar mass of methyl propenoate is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of its constituent elements. In the case of methyl propenoate, the molar mass is approximately 86.09 grams per mole. This value is useful for various calculations and conversions involving methyl propenoate.
Methyl Acrylate Boiling Point
Methyl acrylate has a boiling point of around 99.5 degrees Celsius. This means that at temperatures above 99.5 degrees Celsius, methyl propenoate will start to vaporize and convert into its gaseous state. The boiling point is an important parameter for determining the behavior of methyl propenoate under different conditions.
Methyl Acrylate Melting Point
The melting point of methyl propenoate is approximately -73 degrees Celsius. This is the temperature at which the solid form of methyl propenoate transitions into its liquid state. The melting point is a crucial factor in understanding the physical characteristics and phase transitions of methyl propenoate.
Methyl Acrylate Density g/mL
The density of methyl propenoate is around 0.954 grams per milliliter. This value represents the mass of methyl propenoate per unit volume. The density of a substance helps in determining its buoyancy and its behavior when mixed with other substances.
Methyl Acrylate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of methyl propenoate is about 86.09 grams per mole. It is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule of methyl propenoate. The molecular weight provides insights into the quantity of methyl propenoate required in reactions or when calculating concentrations.
Methyl Acrylate Structure
Methyl acrylate has a molecular structure consisting of a methyl group (-CH3) attached to the carbon-carbon double bond of an acrylate group (-CH2CHCOO-). This structure gives methyl propenoate its unique properties and reactivity in chemical reactions.
Methyl Acrylate Solubility
Methyl acrylate is soluble in a variety of organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and chloroform. However, it is sparingly soluble in water. The solubility of methyl propenoate plays a crucial role in its applications, as it determines how well it can mix and interact with other substances.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.954 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Strong, pungent |
| Molar Mass | 86.09 g/mol |
| Density | 0.954 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -73 °C |
| Boiling Point | 99.5 °C |
| Flash Point | 10 °C |
| Water Solubility | Sparingly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | 48 mmHg |
| Vapour Density | 3.0 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 4.51 |
| pH | Neutral |
Methyl Acrylate Safety and Hazards
Methyl acrylate poses certain safety hazards and precautions should be taken when handling it. It has a strong and pungent odor, which can be irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Direct contact with the skin may cause irritation, redness, and dermatitis. Inhalation of vapors should be avoided as it can cause respiratory tract irritation. It is flammable and has a flash point of 10 degrees Celsius, making it a fire hazard. Proper ventilation, protective clothing, and gloves should be used when working with methyl propenoate to minimize exposure. It is important to follow safety guidelines and handle this chemical with care.
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable, Irritant |
| Safety Description | Causes skin and eye irritation. Flammable liquid and vapor. Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid direct contact. |
| UN IDs | UN 1917 |
| HS Code | 2916.11.00 |
| Hazard Class | 3 (Flammable liquid) |
| Packing Group | II (Moderate danger) |
| Toxicity | Acute oral toxicity: low to moderate |
Methyl Acrylate Synthesis Methods
Various methods allow the synthesis of methyl propenoate.
To synthesize methyl propenoate, one common method involves reacting acrylic acid with methanol in the presence of a catalyst, such as sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid. This reaction produces methyl propenoate and water, and it is typically carried out under reflux conditions to aid in the removal of water.
Another approach to synthesize methyl propenoate is through a gas-phase catalytic reaction between methanol and acetic acid. This process utilizes a heterogeneous catalyst, such as a metal oxide or zeolite catalyst, which promotes the formation of methyl propenoate by esterifying methanol and acetic acid.
Direct oxidation of propylene using molecular oxygen as the oxidizing agent is an alternative method for producing methyl propenoate. This multi-step process involves converting propylene to acrylic acid, followed by esterification with methanol to yield methyl propenoate.
Achieving high yields and purity of methyl propenoate in these synthesis methods requires careful control of reaction conditions, selection of catalyst, and implementation of purification steps. The choice of synthesis method for methyl propenoate may depend on factors such as the availability of starting materials, desired scale of production, and cost considerations.
Methyl Acrylate Uses
Methyl acrylate finds various applications across different industries due to its unique properties. Here are some common uses of methyl propenoate:
- Methyl acrylate plays a crucial role as a key ingredient in the production of adhesives and coatings, enhancing their durability, flexibility, and adhesive properties.
- Manufacturers utilize methyl propenoate in the production of paints, particularly in water-based and emulsion paints, to improve the adhesion, gloss, and weather resistance of the paint films.
- Textile finishing processes incorporate methyl propenoate to enhance fabric durability, control shrinkage, and increase wrinkle resistance.
- Methyl acrylate serves as a monomer in synthesizing various polymers, including acrylic polymers, which are widely used in paints, textiles, and adhesives.
- Plastic manufacturing utilizes methyl propenoate to produce poly(methyl propenoate), which can be molded or extruded into various shapes for different applications.
- Methyl acrylate is used as a component in paper coatings to enhance the strength, water resistance, and printability of paper products.
- Industries rely on methyl propenoate for the production of emulsifiers and surfactants, essential in personal care, cleaning products, and industrial processes.
- Textile printing benefits from methyl propenoate-based resins, improving color fastness, wash durability, and chemical resistance.
These applications highlight the versatility and importance of methyl propenoate in various industries, where it contributes to the performance and functionality of numerous products and materials.
Questions:
Q: Why can methyl acrylate (H2CCHCO2CH3) be polymerized through anionic polymerization?
A: Methyl propenoate can undergo anionic polymerization because it contains a reactive carbon-carbon double bond that can initiate the polymerization process.
Q: Can methyl cellulose adhere to an acrylic-tinted surface?
A: Yes, methylcellulose can adhere to an acrylic-tinted surface due to its adhesive properties and compatibility with acrylic-based materials.
Q: What is poly methyl acrylate used for?
A: Poly methyl propenoate is used in various applications such as coatings, adhesives, and textiles, where its properties like flexibility, adhesion, and water resistance are beneficial.
Q: Is poly methyl methacrylate resin the same as cell-cast acrylic?
A: Yes, poly methyl methacrylate resin is commonly known as cell cast acrylic, which is a transparent thermoplastic material widely used in various applications.
Q: Is methyl acrylate a monomer?
A: Yes, methyl propenoate is a monomer that can undergo polymerization reactions to form polymethyl propenoate, a polymer with various industrial applications.
Q: How is it named 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid?
A: The name “2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid” reflects the presence of an acrylamide group, a methyl group, and a sulfonic acid group in the molecular structure.
Q: What is methyl acrylate?
A: Methyl propenoate is a chemical compound with the molecular formula H2CCHCO2CH3. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor, used in the production of various products like paints, adhesives, and coatings.
Q: What is the chemical equation for emulsion polymerization of poly(methyl acrylate)?
A: The chemical equation for the emulsion polymerization of poly(methyl propenoate) involves the initiation of the reaction by an initiator, followed by the propagation and termination steps, resulting in the formation of the polymer.