| product_name | Methyl acrylate |
| CAS_number | 96-33-3 |
| formula | C4H6O2 |
| molar_mass | 86.09 g/mol |
| boiling_point | 80°C |
| melting_point | -75°C |
| density | 0.954 g/cm³ |
| solubility_in_water | 5.2 g/100 mL |
| vapor_pressure | 53 mmHg (20°C) |
| refractive_index | 1.4014 |
| flash_point | 10°C |
| autoignition_temperature | 385°C |
| viscosity | 0.55 mPa·s (at 20°C) |
| logP | 0.74 |
| surface_tension | 25.8 mN/m (at 20°C) |
| appearance | colorless liquid |
What is methyl acrylate and how is it commonly used in industries?
Methyl acrylate is
a clear, colorless liquid organic compound that carries the distinct chemical formula of
C4H6O2. It is classified as an acrylate ester and falls within the family of chemical
compounds known for their characteristic acrylate double bond. In the realm of industrial
chemistry, methyl acrylate plays an integral role as a versatile building block for the
synthesis of a wide range of polymers. This compound is prevalent in various sectors due to
its unique properties that enable its incorporation into a multitude of applications.
Industries regularly leverage methyl acrylate’s ability to form polymers with other acrylate
compounds in the synthesis of copolymers, which is its most common use. These copolymers are
valued because they bestow unique properties upon the final product such as durability,
flexibility, resistance to environmental factors, and transparency.
In particular,
methyl acrylate is used significantly in the formulation of coatings, adhesives, sealants,
and elastomers. Its inclusion in the composition of paints and coatings helps to enhance the
adhesion properties of the coating and improves its gloss and weatherability. Adhesives and
sealants that incorporate methyl acrylate demonstrate enhanced resistance to heat and
chemicals, which is desirable in industrial-grade products. In the textile industry, methyl
acrylate copolymers are utilized in fabric treatments to add water-repellency and
stain-resistance attributes to the material. Another notable application of methyl acrylate
includes the manufacture of superabsorbent polymers, which are particularly valued in
products designed to absorb significant amounts of liquid relative to their own mass, such
as diapers and other sanitary products.
Furthermore, methyl acrylate is employed in
the agrochemical industry in the synthesis of intermediates for the production of herbicides
and pesticides. Methyl acrylate also demonstrates utility as a reagent or intermediate in
organic synthesis, allowing for the generation of a myriad of more complex chemical
entities, which makes it invaluable to pharmaceutical and specialty chemical industries.
Despite its many applications, handling methyl acrylate requires strict adherence to safety
protocols due to its inherent flammability and reactivity. Personal protective equipment
such as gloves, goggles, and proper ventilation systems are crucial to ensure safety in
environments where methyl acrylate is used. In summary, methyl acrylate serves as a
foundational compound in various industries, chiefly due to its reactive nature and
versatility in forming polymers that impart beneficial characteristics on a multitude of end
products.
What safety precautions should be taken when handling methyl
acrylate?
Handling methyl acrylate safely requires an understanding of its chemical
properties and adherence to robust safety procedures due to its flammable nature and
potential health hazards. A stringent safety protocol includes adequate measures to mitigate
risks associated with exposure and combustion. Firstly, methyl acrylate is highly flammable,
so it should be handled in well-ventilated areas away from any potential sources of ignition
such as sparks, open flames, or hot surfaces. Proper ventilation ensures that any vapors
emitted do not accumulate to hazardous concentrations. Additionally, using explosion-proof
equipment and spark-proof tools is critical in environments where methyl acrylate is present
to prevent accidental ignition.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for
safeguarding individuals working with this chemical. This includes wearing
chemical-resistant gloves, protective goggles or a face shield, and long-sleeved clothing to
prevent skin contact. In case of a risk of inhalation, especially in poorly ventilated
spaces, appropriate respiratory protection such as a mask or respirator approved by
regulatory bodies for organic vapors should be worn. The possibility of methyl acrylate
entering the eyes necessitates the accessibility of eye wash stations and safety showers in
immediate surroundings for emergency decontamination. Furthermore, methyl acrylate should be
stored in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, devoid of any
incompatible substances such as strong oxidizing agents which could trigger adverse
reactions.
Regular monitoring of the workplace atmosphere for methyl acrylate
concentrations ensures compliance with safety standards, and proper labeling of containers
is mandatory to prevent accidental misuse or mixing. Automated safety systems can enhance
monitoring and alert the personnel in case of leaks or fire. It is also vital to train
personnel on the handling and emergency measures associated with methyl acrylate. Such
training should encompass the chemical's potential health impacts, including respiratory
irritation or more serious effects like damage to the central nervous system upon high-level
exposure or prolonged contact. Workers should be cognizant of immediate steps to take should
exposure occur, such as evacuation, containment, and reporting procedures.
Emergent
situations must be managed with a well-structured plan that includes immediate measures like
shutting off the source of release, ventilating the area, and notifying emergency services.
In case of fire, specific firefighting procedures should be followed using appropriate
extinguishing mediums like carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or alcohol-resistant
foam—while water might not be effective depending on the fire’s nature. Given its hazardous
profile, a prepared safety culture and rigorous adherence to these precautions can
significantly reduce the risks associated with handling methyl acrylate, ensuring the
well-being of personnel and the protection of the environment.
How does methyl
acrylate impact the environment, and what measures are in place to mitigate these
effects?
Methyl acrylate, like many industrial chemicals, can pose certain
environmental risks due to its physical and chemical properties, warranting careful
consideration of its life cycle from production to disposal. It is important to identify
potential environmental impacts and implement measures to mitigate these impacts in the
context of public safety and ecological balance. Methyl acrylate can be released into the
environment during manufacturing, transportation, storage, or disposal processes. Its high
volatility and ability to easily vaporize mean that when released, it predominantly finds
its way into the atmosphere, where it can contribute to air pollution. In the atmosphere,
methyl acrylate undergoes relatively rapid degradation through reactions with
photochemically produced hydroxyl radicals, limiting its persistence. Nevertheless, in areas
with high concentrations, especially near industrial facilities, methyl acrylate can
contribute to ground-level ozone formation and photochemical smog, which are detrimental to
air quality and public health.
In aquatic environments, methyl acrylate possesses
moderate inherent toxicity to aquatic organisms and may pose risks to life forms if
substantial amounts enter water bodies. However, its tendency to biodegrade or volatilize
from water surfaces reduces its long-term environmental burden. Similarly, in soil, methyl
acrylate is subject to volatilization and microbial biodegradation, limiting its persistence
and bioaccumulation potential. These traits suggest that while the compound can pose risk in
cases of significant accidental release or spillage, its natural mitigation through
environmental processes is somewhat favorable.
To mitigate the environmental impacts
of methyl acrylate, regulatory frameworks and industry best practices mandate stringent
control of emissions throughout the lifecycle of the chemical. Compliance with Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, along with standards set by other comparable entities
like the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), helps to govern and monitor permissible emission
levels, thereby reducing environmental exposure. Treatment and containment protocols are
employed to prevent accidental releases during industrial processes. Additional measures
include the use of advanced technology for air, water, and soil monitoring to detect and
measure levels of methyl acrylate and mitigate pollution before it becomes impactful.
Furthermore, regular environmental audits and impact assessments are crucial in identifying
potential sources of release and improving control measures to protect the surrounding
ecosystems.
Industries are encouraged to adopt best practices for handling and
storage, including using containment systems to capture and treat emissions before they
reach the environment. Spill response strategies are well-documented in safety management
plans to facilitate prompt and effective responses in the event of accidental releases. On
the regulatory front, policies that encourage reduction in the use of hazardous substances
through innovation and green chemistry also contribute to diminishing the ecological
footprint of methyl acrylate. Thus, a combination of environmental regulations, industrial
practices, and technological advancements function collectively to mitigate the
environmental impact of methyl acrylate, ensuring its use in industry does not compromise
ecological integrity or public health.
What are the primary health hazards associated
with methyl acrylate exposure and what protective measures are recommended?
Methyl
acrylate presents several health hazards when exposure occurs, particularly affecting the
respiratory system, skin, and eyes due to its inherent chemical properties. As a volatile
and reactive organic compound, methyl acrylate can pose both acute and chronic health risks
depending on the level and duration of exposure. Recognizing these hazards and implementing
preventive measures are pivotal to ensuring occupational safety and health.
The
primary route of exposure to methyl acrylate is inhalation of its vapors, which can lead to
various respiratory issues. Short-term exposure may irritate the respiratory tract,
manifesting as coughing, throat irritation, shortness of breath, or in some cases, an
asthmatic-like response for those who are sensitive or have pre-existing respiratory
conditions. Chronic exposure, especially at higher concentrations, can potentially cause
more severe pulmonary effects, including chemical bronchitis and other long-term respiratory
ailments.
Eye exposure is another significant hazard due to the compound's irritant
properties. Methyl acrylate can cause redness, tearing, and discomfort, with potential for
severe irritation upon direct contact depending on the exposure levels. Similarly, the
compound can cause skin irritation, characterized by redness and blistering upon contact,
which could escalate to dermatitis with prolonged exposure.
Protective measures are
essential to mitigate these health risks within environments that utilize or handle methyl
acrylate. It is critical to ensure robust ventilation systems in workplaces where methyl
acrylate is used to prevent vapor accumulation, thereby minimizing inhalation risks. Closed
systems or local exhaust ventilation can further aid in controlling airborne concentrations.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a cornerstone of exposure prevention, with protocols
mandating the use of suitable gloves, goggles, and face shields to guard against skin and
eye contact. Additionally, respirators equipped with organic vapor cartridges should be used
when engineering controls are insufficient to maintain airborne concentrations below
occupational exposure limits.
Education and training programs that emphasize the
hazards associated with methyl acrylate, correct handling procedures, emergency response
actions, and proper use of PPE play a vital role in preventing adverse health effects.
Companies are encouraged to maintain up-to-date safety data sheets (SDS) that communicate
all known health risks, exposure limits, and first-aid measures in case of an incident.
Moreover, regular health surveillance and medical examinations for workers in high-risk
environments help in early detection and management of any health impacts resulting from
exposure. Implementing comprehensive workplace surveillance systems to monitor air quality
ensures that prompt corrective actions can be taken when methyl acrylate levels exceed safe
limits.
Overall, the combination of engineering controls, appropriate PPE, rigorous
training, and vigilant monitoring constitutes an effective strategy to safeguard against the
health hazards associated with methyl acrylate exposure, protecting workers and ensuring
compliance with occupational health standards.
What are the chemical properties of
methyl acrylate that influence its reactivity and applications?
Methyl acrylate’s
chemical properties significantly account for its reactivity and widespread applicability in
various industrial processes. It is characterized by a set of distinct chemical and physical
features that support its versatility, especially in polymer production and other specialty
chemical applications. At its core, methyl acrylate is a simple acrylate ester with the
molecular formula C4H6O2, lending itself to a clear, colorless, and mobile liquid
appearance, often recognizable by its pleasant fruity odor. The ester functional group
contributes extensively to its chemical behavior, influencing both its reactivity and
function in polymer chemistry.
A foremost chemical property of methyl acrylate is the
carbon-carbon double bond (C=C) present in its alpha, beta-unsaturated carbonyl compound
structure. This double bond serves as a reactive site, making methyl acrylate amenable to
various addition reactions, which form the crux of its polymerization capabilities. The
susceptibility of the double bond to radical, cationic, or anionic polymerizations allows
methyl acrylate to react with a broad spectrum of initiating species, defining its prolific
use in creating homopolymers and copolymers with other commerciable monomers, such as vinyl
and acrylic esters.
Methyl acrylate’s relatively low molecular weight (86.09 g/mol)
and high vapor pressure result in a high degree of volatility, which underscores its
tendency to emit vapors readily. This volatility is a pivotal factor in its handling
requirements and impacts its application mannerisms in production settings such as coating
formulations or impregnation processes where controlled evaporation rates are critical for
application success. Additionally, its solubility profile, combining moderate water
miscibility with compatibility in various organic solvents, supports its use in diverse
solvent systems and formulations where uniform dispersion of the monomer is
desired.
The thermal properties of methyl acrylate, notably its boiling point around
80°C and auto-ignition temperature at approximately 458°C, further define its role in
industrial settings where temperature regulation is critical to preventing hazardous
scenarios. This defines its storage and operational protocols in manufacturing environments
to avoid undesired polymerization or explosive conditions. Furthermore, its refractive index
and density parameters establish methyl acrylate’s integration properties in multiple
compositional matrices, influencing physical parameters like gloss, adhesion, and hardness
in end-use applications.
In terms of stability, methyl acrylate is prone to
polymerization but can be stabilized effectively with inhibitors like hydroquinone or its
derivatives, thus mitigating the risk of uncontrolled polymer growth during transport or
storage. Its ability to engage in crosslinking reactions, when suitably catalyzed, extends
its utility to creating tridimensional polymer networks, especially in resin formulations
that require enhanced mechanical properties.
Conclusively, methyl acrylate's chemical
properties, especially its reactive double bond, volatility, and solubility characteristics,
not only render it integral to polymer science but also necessitate careful consideration in
its use and handling. These properties collectively inform its wide applicability across
various industries and underscore the importance of strategic approaches to harnessing its
reactivity safely and effectively in industrial applications.
