Methyl methacrylate is a derivative ester of the acrylic acid and methyl alcohol. Under normal conditions it is a transparent, moving, volatile liquid with a strong specific odor.

Method of obtaining

Methyl methacrylate is obtained on a commercial scale from ethylene cyanohydrin and methyl alcohol (in the presence of the sulphuric acid) or from the mixture of acetylene, nickel tetracarbonyl and methyl alcohol, in the presence hydrogen chloride.

Application

Methyl methacrylate is used in producing plastics, paints and varnishes, and is used in numerous organic syntheses. Due to its polymerization susceptibility and easiness methyl methacrylate must be stored with stabilization additives.

Storage and transport
Methyl methacrylate should be stored in well aerated rooms not exposed to sunlight. It should be stored with stabilization additives preventing spontaneous polymerization.
The packaging should not be filled to more than 90% of its volume. Storage rooms must be equipped with extinguishing equipment. Efficient ventilation is a must. In transport UN 1247, ADR class: 3

More information is available in the product data sheet, available at this address.