| Chemical Properties |
colourless mobile liquid with a sweet, irritating odour |
| Uses |
In polymerized form for plastic masses, films and lacquers; in plastic film for food packaging. As modifier for food starch. |
| General Description |
A clear colorless liquid. Flash point 18°F. Density 7.8 lb / gal. Slightly soluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air. Vapors irritate the eyes and respiratory system. May polymerize if heated or contaminated. If polymerization occurs inside a container, the container may violently rupture. Used to make adhesives, paints, and plastics. |
| Air & Water Reactions |
Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water. |
| Reactivity Profile |
Vinyl acetate may undergo spontaneous exothermic polymerization on exposure to light. Reacts with air or water to produces peroxides that initiate explosively violent polymerization. Reacts with hydrogen peroxide to form explosive peracetic acid. Reacts with oxygen to form explosive peroxides. Forms explosive Vinyl acetate ozonide on contact with ozone. Undergoes violent or explosive reactions with 2-aminoethanol, chlorosulfonic acid, ethylenediamine, mineral acids (hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, oleum), and peroxides [Lewis, 3rd ed., 1993, p. 1311]. Polymerization initiated by dibenzoyl peroxide in ethyl acetate accelerated out of control, ignited and exploded [Vervalin, 1973, p. 81]. Polymerization in toluene solution has caused several large industrial explosions [MCA Case History No. 2087]. |
| Health Hazard |
Vinyl acetate has been related to reproductive abnormalities. It is a skin and upper respiratory tract irritantand a central nervous system depressant. Exposure caused gradual deterioration of heart muscles. |
| Fire Hazard |
When heated to decomposition, Vinyl acetate burns and emits acrid fumes. Highly dangerous when exposed to heat, flames or oxidizers; explosion hazard with strong acids and strong oxidizers. Incompatible with alumina, oxidizing materials, 2-aminoethanol, chlorosulfonic acid; ethyleneimine; 36% hydrochloric acid; 48.7% hydrofluoric acid; 70% nitric acid; oleum; 96% sulfuric acid; ethylene diamine; peroxides and silica gel. Avoid light or any polymerizing initiator. Hazardous polymerization can be initiated by organic and inorganic peroxides; azo compounds; redox systems (including organometallic components); light; and high energy radiation. |
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