Chemical Properties |
colourless liquid or crystals with an unpleasant odour. |
Definition |
ChEBI: An alpha,beta-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid that is acrylic acid in which the hydrogen at position 2 is substituted by a methyl group. |
General Description |
A clear colorless liquid (or low-melting solid) with a pungent odor. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Flash point 170°F. Melting point 61°F. May polymerize exothermically if heated or contaminated. If the polymerization takes place inside a container, the container may rupture violently. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. Used to make plastics. |
Air & Water Reactions |
Soluble in water. |
Reactivity Profile |
Methacrylic acid reacts with strong oxidizing agents. Presents a storage hazard: violent exothermic polymerizations leading to explosion can occur spontaneously, particularly at low inhibitor or stabilizer concentrations [Anon., CISHC Chem. Safety Summ., 1979, 50, p. 34; Bond, J., Loss Prev. Bull., 1991, 101, p. 1]. |
Health Hazard |
INHALATION: Severe irritation to respiratory tract. EYES: Short contact can cause severe damage. SKIN: Causes severe irritation and burns. Ingestion: High hazard - may cause death or permanent injury on short exposure to small quantities. OTHER: May affect blood pressure temporarily. |