Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a crucial industrial monomer. This compound is widely used in the production of acrylic materials, adhesives, coatings as well as medical devices. As a clear or colorless liquid with a little fruity smell, MMA’s polymerizable methacrylate group & also reactive ester functionality give it exceptional all-rounder characteristic. Its rapid curing, optical clarity as well as weather resistance have made it a cornerstone in modern materials science—from Plexiglas to advanced orthopedic bone cements.
Methyl methacrylate, also called methacrylic acid methyl ester, is an organic compound with the formula C₅H₈O₂. It is a monomer with a distinct double bond adjacent to a methyl group, which enables efficient polymerization and copolymerization reactions. At ambient temperature, it's a colorless liquid with a sharp, fruity odor and a boiling point in the range of 100–101 °C, freezing at approximately −48 °C.
Due to its miscibility in most organic solvents which are ethanol, acetone, benzene along with slight solubility in water (~1–1.6 wt%), this compound offers essential utility in making a huge spectrum of polymers. Its usage is as a monomer for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). It is also a transparent thermoplastic known for its amazing optical clarity, strength, resistance to weathering as well as ultraviolet light & also low toxicity.
Industrial-grade MMA is frequently stabilized with inhibitors such as MEHQ or Topanol to prevent premature polymerization during storage and transportation. Typical properties include refractive index around 1.412, density near 0.944 g/cm³ as well as low viscosity (~0.56 cP). These are all critical factors for uniform performance across applications.
MMA is foundational in manufacturing acrylic sheets, adhesives, coatings, bone cements, and adhesives—owing to its ability to impart toughness, UV protection, strong adhesion, and resistance to moisture and abrasion in the resulting polymers.
| Property | Industrial-Grade MMA |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 80-62-6 |
| Appearance | Colorless, transparent liquid |
| Molecular Formula | C5H8O2 |
| Odor | Slightly fruity / pungent |
| Purity | ≥ 99.8 % |
| Molecular Weight | 100.12 g/mol |
| Density (20 °C) | 0.942–0.946 g/cm³ |
| Refractive index (20 °C) | ~1.4118–1.4152 |
| Boiling point | ≈100–101 °C |
| Freezing point | ≈–48 °C |
| Viscosity (20 °C) | ≈0.56 cP |
| Water solubility (20 °C) | ~1.5–1.6 wt% |
| Volatility (vapor pressure) | 24 mmHg @10 °C; 81 mmHg @40 °C |
| Flash point | ≈11 °C (Closed Cup) |
| Polymerization stoper | MEHQ level, Topanol (ppm level) |
| Typical packaging | 190 kg drums, IBCs (890 kg), ISO tanks |
CAS No.: 80-62-6
EINECS: 201-297-1
Density (20 °C): 0.942–0.946 g/cm³
Refractive index (nD 20 °C): 1.4118–1.4152
Boiling point: ~100–101 °C
Freezing point: ~–48 °C
Viscosity (20 °C): ~0.56 cP
Water solubility: ~1.5–1.6 wt%
Flash point: 11 °C
Vapor pressure: 24 mmHg @10 °C; 81 mmHg @40 °C
Polymerization inhibitor: MEHQ or TOPANOL (ppm-level control)
1. Flammability control: This compound is highly flammable with a flash point around 11 °C—store away from ignition sources in a cool as well as well-ventilated area, using explosion-proof equipment.
2. Stabilization: Maintain inhibitor levels to prevent autopolymerization; avoid excessive exposure to heat or direct sunlight. If the inhibitor is depleted, replenish before use.
3. Environmental conditions: Ideally store between 5–25 °C. The degrees below freezing or above ~30 °C may compromise stability. Iso tank storage should include venting systems to manage vapor pressure.
4. Managing precautions: Use PPE—chemical-defiant gloves, goggles as well as vapor respirators in enclosed areas. Prevent inhalation & also skin contact.
5. Spill response: Eliminate ignition sources, contain with inert absorbent materials (e.g. vermiculite), store waste in sealed metal containers, and dispose of flammable hazardous waste per regulations.
6. Ventilated transfer: Ground drums during blending or transfer to avoid static discharge.
MMA consists of a vinyl-type backbone (CH₂=C(CH₃)–) bonded to a methoxycarbonyl group (–COOCH₃):
H₂C = C(CH₃) – C(=O) – O – CH₃
The structure's key aspects:• Double bond: Between carbon 2 and 3 enables radical polymerization.
• Methoxy ester group: It delivers reactivity in copolymer synthesis as well as contributes to polymer chain ester endpoints.
• Methyl side group (–CH₃): This increases polymer rigidity as well as thermal resistance.
This structural combination makes MMA suitable for creating high-performance polymers like PMMA as well as specialty copolymers.
Acrylic sheets and PMMA construction materials: This is employed in architectural glazing, automotive windows, signage, and lighting covers for its clarity and weather durability.
Coatings and paints: As monomer or copolymer, delivers gloss, abrasion resistance, and UV stability in automotive, marine, and industrial coatings.
Adhesives and sealants: High-performance MMA adhesives offer rapid curing, strong bonds to plastics, metals, composites and are widely used in aerospace, construction, and material joining.
Dental/medical applications: Shampooing dental prosthetics, bone cement in orthopedic implants due to rapid polymerization and biocompatibility.
Modifiers for other polymers: Used in MBS copolymers and acrylic-modified plastics for improved impact and clarity.
Wood impregnation: MMA can be polymerized within wood to enhance durability and moisture resistance.
Specialty coatings and adhesives: Found in automotive headlight lenses, flooring, and waterproof membranes.
Industrial intermediates: Base monomer for deriving ethyl, butyl, and 2-ethylhexyl methacrylates used in coatings and adhesives.
190 kg steel drums (typical industrial)
IBC containers (~890 kg) stabilized with Topanol or MEHQ
ISO tanks for bulk shipments (up to ~22 MT)
ISO-certified since 1983, backed by robust quality systems and external audits.
Comprehensive chemical range: Servicing industries from photography to oil & gas, dyes, preservatives, electroplating, with global exports to Middle East, SEA, Africa, Australia, and South America.
Versatile packaging: Flexible options—drums, IBCs, flexi-tanks, ISO tanks—ideal for buyers of any scale.
Supply chain capability: Functions as suppliers, exporter, traders, dealers, importers, and distributors—catering to multinational corporations and small-to-mid industrial consumers
Sample availability: Offers free samples, customizable terms (TT/LC), volume-based pricing, quick lead times, and reliable logistics.
Strong service reputation: Commended for precise composition, reliability, and consistent quality by long-term clients.
What is the molecular weight of MMA?
Approximately 100 g/mol (100.12 g/mol).
Is MMA flammable?
Yes—flash point ~11 °C; requires strict storage and handling precautions.
How is MMA stabilized?
With inhibitors like MEHQ or Topanol (10–25 ppm) to prevent polymerization.
What is its specific gravity?
0.942–0.946 g/cm³ at 20 °C.
Does MMA dissolve in water?
Slightly—about 1.5–1.6 wt% at room temperature.
What is the typical purity?
≥ 99.8% monomer purity; moisture ≤ 0.05%.
What are common packaging formats?
190 kg drums, 890 kg IBCs, and bulk ISO tanks.
How should MMA spills be handled?
Absorb with inert materials, eliminate ignition, ventilate as well as dispose of flammable hazardous waste.
What industries normally use MMA?
Automotive, coatings, adhesives, printing, medical, oil & gas, dyes, electroplating, food preservatives.
Can I get a sample before ordering?
Yes—Shakti Chemicals offers free samples; payment includes TT/LC with volume-based pricing.
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is one of the most important monomers in today’s chemical industry, underpinning high-performance polymers like PMMA and specialty adhesives, coatings, and medical compounds. Its excellent polymerization behavior, clarity, UV resistance, and mechanical strength make it indispensable. When sourced from a reliable partner like Shakti Chemicals in Maharashtra—with its comprehensive certification, global logistics, and customizable service offerings—businesses gain assurance in product quality, supply reliability, and technical support. Whether for industrial-grade adhesives, decorative coatings, or biomedical applications, MMA from Shakti Chemicals can be trusted to deliver consistency, safety, and performance in Mumbai, India.
Looking for high-quality Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)? Contact us today for bulk orders and technical details.
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