M

Methacrylic acid

IUPAC: 2-methylprop-2-enoic acid

C4H6O2 Organic Compounds CAS 79-41-4
Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H6O2
CAS Number79-41-4
Molecular Weight86.09
Melting Point61 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point325 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.015 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceMethacrylic acid appears as 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 exothermic...
Also Known As2-methylprop-2-enoic acid; 79-41-4; 2-Methylacrylic acid; Methylacrylic acid; 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-; 2-Methylpropenoic acid; 2-Methyl-2-propenoic acid; alpha-Methylacrylic acid; 2-Methylenepropionic acid; Acrylic acid, 2-methyl-
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Methacrylic acid?

Methacrylic acid is an alpha,beta-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid that is acrylic acid in which the hydrogen at position 2 is substituted by a methyl group. It is functionally related to an acrylic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a methacrylate.

Formula & Notation

C4H6O2

IUPAC Name: 2-methylprop-2-enoic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: 2-methylprop-2-enoic acid; 79-41-4; 2-Methylacrylic acid; Methylacrylic acid; 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-; 2-Methylpropenoic acid; 2-Methyl-2-propenoic acid; alpha-Methylacrylic acid; 2-Methylenepropionic acid; Acrylic acid, 2-methyl-

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Methacrylic acid appears as 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 exothermic.... Molecular formula: C4H6O2. Molecular weight: 86.09 g/mol. Boiling point: 325 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 61 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.015 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.65 mmHg at 68 °F ; 1 mmHg at 77 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 0.9.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point61 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point325 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.015 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight86.09
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceMethacrylic acid appears as 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 exothermic...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Methacrylic acid
Formula C4H6O2
CAS Number 79-41-4
Molecular Weight 86.09
Synonyms 2-methylprop-2-enoic acid; 79-41-4; 2-Methylacrylic acid; Methylacrylic acid; 2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-; 2-Methylpropenoic acid; 2-Methyl-2-propenoic acid; alpha-Methylacrylic acid; 2-Methylenepropionic acid; Acrylic acid, 2-methyl-

Frequently Asked Questions

Methacrylic acid is an alpha,beta-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid that is acrylic acid in which the hydrogen at position 2 is substituted by a methyl group. It is functionally related to an acrylic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a methacrylate.

More "M" Terms

View all "M" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.