| 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.