Methacrylic acid

Agent Name
Methacrylic acid
CAS Number
79-41-4
Formula
C4-H6-O2
Major Category
Other Classes
Methacrylic acid formula graphical representation
Synonyms
2-Methyl-2-propenoic acid; 2-Methylacrylic acid; 2-Methylenepropionic acid; 2-Methylpropenoic acid; 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-; Acide methacrylique [French]; Acido metacrilico [Spanish]; Acrylic acid, 2-methyl-; Kyselina methakrylova [Czech]; Methacrylic acid; Propenoic acid, 2-methyl; Propionic acid, 2-methylene-; alpha-Methylacrylic acid; [ChemIDplus] UN2531
Category
Organic Acids
Description
Colorless liquid or solid (below 61 degrees F) with an acrid, repulsive odor; [NIOSH]
Sources/Uses
Used to synthesize organic compounds and as a monomer for plastics; [ACGIH]
Comments
Methacrylic acid can cause skin burns and, after acute heavy inhalation exposure, pulmonary edema. [ICSC] Causes second degree burns after a few minutes skin exposure; [CHRIS] Corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] Methacrylic acid was negative in skin sensitization testing; [Reference #1] Methacrylic acid, stabilized (UN2531) has warning of explosive polymerization; [ERG 2016]
Biomedical References

Exposure Assessment

Skin Designation (ACGIH)
Insufficient data
TLV (ACGIH)
20 ppm
MAK
50 ppm
Vapor Pressure
0.99 mm Hg
Explosive Polymerization
Yes
Explanatory Notes
Flash point = 77 deg C; VP from HSDB;
NFPA
high ambient temp required

Adverse Effects

Toxic Pneumonitis
Yes
Dermatotoxin
Skin burns

Diseases, Processes, and Activities Linked to This Agent

Other Information
No other related information on this agent was found.