Bonding Partnership In Chemistry
acrylates monomers
Methyl Methacrylate
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Methyl Methacrylate

CAS: 80-62-6

Methyl Methacrylate also known as MMA, 2-methylmethacrylate, or methyl 2-methyl propenoate is an ester of methacrylic acid with the molecular formula C5H8O, CAS: 80-62-6. It is a clear, colourless liquid that has an acrid odour and is not known to occur naturally.  It is insoluble in water, but is soluble in most organic solvents. It is volatile and flammable.

Methyl Methacrylate Chemical Structure Composition.

Production

The main route of MMA production is by reacting hydrogen cyanide with acetone to form acetone cyanohydrin.  Acetone cyanohydrin is then reacted with concentrated sulphuric acid to produce methacrylate sulfate.  This is then reacted with methanol and water to form methyl methacrylate. 

During production a highly toxic hydrogen cyanide liquid is produced.

It is supplied with an inhibitor as autopolymerisation can occur, especially in light.

MMA has a specific gravity of 0.939 and its highly flammable with a flash point of 10°C.

Uses

Methyl methacrylate is an important chemical as it is the monomer for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) polymers and copolymers. 

MMA is also polymerised to form lubricant viscosity modifiers, dispersions,  molding/extrusion powder, and coatings.  These are then utilised in the production of acrylic surface and paper coatings, adhesives, sealants, leather and paper coating, inks, textile finishes, latex paints, and lacquer and enamel resins. clear plastics (Plexiglass) and acrylic sheets. 

It could also be used in the impregnation of concrete as it makes the concrete water repellent.  When MMA is replaced styrene in unsaturated polyester resins it gives better water resistance and a longer life to the final products.

MMA polymers have also medicine and dentistry application.

Arpadis is one of the largest chemical distributor in Europe.

Arpadis is handling the storage, transport, export & import formalities of Methyl Methacrylate globally.