Methyl methacrylate (C5H8O2) is a versatile chemical used in manufacturing various products like paints, adhesives, and plastics. It offers excellent transparency, durability, and weather resistance.
| IUPAC Name | Methyl methacrylate |
| Molecular Formula | C5H8O2 |
| CAS Number | 80-62-6 |
| Synonyms | Methyl 2-methylpropenoate, Methyl ester of methacrylic acid, Methyl alpha-methylacrylate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C5H8O2/c1-4-7-5(2)3/h4H,1-2H3 |
Methyl Methacrylate Properties
Methyl Methacrylate Formula
The chemical formula of methyl 2-methylpropenoate is C5H8O2. It represents the specific arrangement of atoms in a molecule. The formula indicates that the compound contains five carbon atoms, eight hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms.
Methyl Methacrylate Molar Mass
The molar mass of methyl 2-methylpropenoate is calculated by summing the atomic masses of its constituent atoms. With a molecular formula of C5H8O2, the molar mass of methyl 2-methylpropenoate is approximately 100.12 grams per mole. Molar mass is crucial for various calculations and conversions in chemistry.
Methyl Methacrylate Boiling Point
Methyl methacrylate has a boiling point of around 100 degrees Celsius. The boiling point refers to the temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid to a gas phase. It signifies the energy required to overcome intermolecular forces and convert the compound into a gaseous state.
Methyl Methacrylate Melting Point
The melting point of methyl 2-methylpropenoate is approximately -48 degrees Celsius. The melting point refers to the temperature at which a solid substance transforms into a liquid state. It represents the energy required to break the intermolecular forces holding the solid together.
Methyl Methacrylate Density g/mL
Methyl methacrylate has a density of about 0.94 grams per milliliter. Density is a measure of how much mass is contained within a given volume. It helps in determining the substance’s physical properties and is often used to identify and characterize materials.
Methyl Methacrylate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of methyl 2-methylpropenoate is approximately 100.12 grams per mole. Molecular weight represents the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule. It is useful in various calculations, such as determining stoichiometry and analyzing chemical reactions.
Methyl Methacrylate Structure
The structure of methyl 2-methylpropenoate consists of a chain of five carbon atoms bonded together, with two oxygen atoms double-bonded to different carbons. The chemical structure determines the compound’s properties and behavior, such as reactivity and interactions with other substances.
Methyl Methacrylate Solubility
Methyl methacrylate is soluble in organic solvents like acetone, ethanol, and chloroform. Solubility refers to the ability of a substance to dissolve in a given solvent. Understanding the solubility of methyl 2-methylpropenoate is essential for its applications and processing in various industries.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.938 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Pungent, fruity |
| Molar Mass | 100.12 g/mol |
| Density | 0.94 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -48 °C |
| Boiling Point | 100 °C |
| Flash Point | 12 °C |
| Water Solubility | 24 g/L |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents |
| Vapour Pressure | 30 mmHg at 20 °C |
| Vapour Density | 3.5 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 4.88 |
| pH | 5-7 |
Methyl Methacrylate Safety and Hazards
When handling methyl 2-methylpropenoate, take certain safety precautions as it poses hazards. Contact or inhalation of this chemical irritates the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. It can form explosive mixtures with air as it is flammable. Use adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, while working with methyl 2-methylpropenoate. Avoid direct skin contact and inhalation of its vapors. If significant exposure or ingestion occurs, seek immediate medical attention. Follow proper storage and handling practices to minimize the risk of accidents or chemical reactions
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable (F), Irritant (Xi) |
| Safety Description | Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Use in a well-ventilated area. Wear appropriate protective equipment. |
| Un IDs | UN 1247 |
| HS Code | 2916.12.00 |
| Hazard Class | Class 3 (Flammable liquids) |
| Packing Group | PG II |
| Toxicity | Methyl methacrylate may cause irritation and sensitization of the skin. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory discomfort. |
Methyl Methacrylate Synthesis Methods
There are several methods to synthesize methyl 2-methylpropenoate.
One common method for synthesizing methyl 2-methylpropenoate involves reacting methacrylic acid with excess methanol in the presence of an acidic catalyst, such as sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid. The reaction occurs under controlled temperature and pressure conditions to promote esterification. Distillation is then used to separate and purify the resulting mixture to obtain the methyl 2-methylpropenoate product.
Another method entails directly oxidizing isobutylene with molecular oxygen in the presence of a catalyst, such as a metal oxide or a peroxide compound. The reactions include oxidation, rearrangement, and esterification, leading to the formation of methyl 2-methylpropenoate.
Additionally, the acetone cyanohydrin method involves reacting acetone cyanohydrin with sulfuric acid to produce methacrylamide sulfate. This compound is then hydrolyzed to yield methacrylic acid, which is esterified with methanol to generate methyl 2-methylpropenoate.
Optimizing the yield and purity of methyl 2-methylpropenoate in these synthesis methods requires careful control of reaction parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and catalyst concentration. It is important to follow safety measures due to the flammable and potentially hazardous nature of the reactants and products involved.
Methyl Methacrylate Uses
Methyl 2-methylpropenoate finds numerous applications in various industries. Here are some of its common uses:
- Methyl 2-methylpropenoate plays a crucial role as a monomer in producing polymethyl 2-methylpropenoate (PMMA), also known as acrylic glass. PMMA is widely used in manufacturing optical lenses, signs, displays, and automotive components due to its excellent transparency, impact resistance, and weatherability.
- Formulators employ methyl 2-methylpropenoate-based resins and coatings to create durable, chemically resistant, and adhesive surface coatings for paints, varnishes, and protective coatings. These coatings adhere well to various substrates, including metals, plastics, and concrete.
- Industries such as automotive, construction, and aerospace extensively utilize high-strength, rapidly curing methyl 2-methylpropenoate adhesives for bonding metal, composite, and plastic components, thanks to their versatility in bonding.
- Methyl 2-methylpropenoate-based materials are widely used in dentistry to produce dental prosthetics, such as denture bases and temporary crowns, offering desirable aesthetic properties, biocompatibility, and ease of processing.
- Orthopedic surgeons use methyl 2-methylpropenoate as bone cement during joint replacement surgeries, employing it as a filler to secure implants and provide structural support.
- Methyl 2-methylpropenoate finds application in the textile and leather industry for producing specialty polymers used in textile sizing, leather finishing, and coating applications, enhancing fabric properties like crease resistance and durability.
- The manufacturing of optical fibers, light-guiding plates, and light-emitting diode (LED) encapsulants utilizes methyl 2-methylpropenoate due to its optical clarity and excellent light transmission properties.
These applications demonstrate the versatility of methyl 2-methylpropenoate and its significance in various industrial sectors due to its unique properties and adaptability.
Questions:
Q: Where does methyl methacrylate come from?
A: Methyl 2-methylpropenoate is primarily produced through chemical synthesis methods involving the reaction of methacrylic acid or isobutylene with other compounds.
Q: How to synthesize poly(methyl methacrylate)?
A: Poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate) can be synthesized through a process called polymerization, where methyl 2-methylpropenoate monomers are combined and triggered to form a chain-like polymer structure.
Q: Is methyl methacrylate styrene food safe?
A: No, methyl 2-methylpropenoate and styrene are not considered food-safe materials and should not be used in direct contact with food or beverages.
Q: What is methyl methacrylate used for?
A: Methyl 2-methylpropenoate is used in various applications, including the production of plastics, coatings, adhesives, dental materials, and medical devices.
Q: How to make methyl methacrylate dental appliance?
A: Methyl 2-methylpropenoate dental appliances are made by combining methyl 2-methylpropenoate monomers with a suitable catalyst and filler materials, which are then shaped and cured to form the desired dental prosthesis.
Q: How to remove stabilizer for methyl methacrylate after suspension polymerization?
A: The stabilizer for methyl 2-methylpropenoate after suspension polymerization can be removed by processes such as filtration, washing, and solvent extraction to obtain purified methyl 2-methylpropenoate.
Q: Will methyl methacrylate adhesive bond to lead?
A: Methyl 2-methylpropenoate adhesive is not recommended for bonding lead, as lead’s low surface energy and oxide layer may hinder adhesive bonding.
Q: Is methyl methacrylate a vasoconstrictor?
A: No, methyl 2-methylpropenoate is not known to exhibit vasoconstrictive properties.