Chemical Name: Methacrylate
Synonyms: Methyl Methacrylate, MMA, 2-Methyl-2-propenoic acid methyl ester
CAS Number: 80-62-6
Product Use: Key ingredient in resins, adhesives, acrylic plastics, coatings
Manufacturer: Major chemical companies such as Evonik, Mitsubishi, Lucite
Contact Information: Customer service and emergency contact number listed on original packaging
Emergency Overview: Flammable, strong odor, can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory system
Hazard Class: Flammable liquid, Category 2; Acute toxicity, Category 4
Primary Risks: Fire hazard, vapor inhalation, skin absorption, eye contact
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapor; Harmful if inhaled; Causes skin and eye irritation
Precautionary Statements: Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks; Wear protective gloves and eye protection; Avoid breathing vapor
Label Pictograms: Flame, exclamation mark
Component: Methyl Methacrylate
Concentration: 98–100%
Other Ingredients: Inhibitors present in trace amounts—usually hydroquinone or similar stabilizer
Impurities: May contain small traces of methacrylic acid or other esters
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, support breathing as needed, seek medical attention for breathing difficulties or prolonged exposure
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water, seek medical attention for irritation or allergic reaction
Eye Contact: Flush eyes gently with water for at least 15 minutes, hold eyelids apart, seek immediate medical attention for pain or visual changes
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth, seek medical help; symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide preferred over water
Hazards from Fire: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air, toxic gases (e.g., carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methacrylic acid) may form
Firefighter Protection: Full protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus required
Special Procedures: Cool exposed containers with water spray, evacuate area, avoid inhalation of combustion gases
Spill Response: Evacuate unprotected personnel from area, remove ignition sources, ventilate, contain using non-sparking equipment
Cleanup Methods: Absorb with inert material (sand, earth); transfer to labeled container for proper disposal; avoid runoff into drains
Personal Protection: Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, respirator as appropriate to airborne concentration
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to waterways, drains, or soil
Handling: Work in well-ventilated area, ground/bond containers, avoid open flames and sparks, avoid skin and eye contact, keep out of reach of children
Storage: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers, in cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight and incompatible materials such as oxidizers and acids
Inhibitor Notice: Some batches contain stabilizers—regular monitoring necessary to ensure stability over time
Occupational Exposure Limits: OSHA PEL: 100 ppm; ACGIH TLV: 50 ppm (TWA)
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, containment methods to limit vapor exposure
Personal Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), splash-proof goggles, lab coat or apron, organic vapor respirator for high concentrations
Hygiene Measures: No eating, drinking, or smoking in work area, wash hands after handling
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Strong, sharp, fruity odor
Boiling Point: 101°C (213°F)
Melting Point: -48°C (-54°F)
Flash Point: 10°C (50°F, closed cup)
Vapor Pressure: 29 mmHg at 20°C
Density: 0.94 g/cm³
Solubility: Slight in water, mixes with most organic solvents
Viscosity: Low
Evaporation Rate: Rapid compared to water
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions with inhibitor
Polymerization: May occur dangerously if inhibitor is depleted, exposed to heat or light, or in presence of peroxides; can generate heat and pressure
Conditions to Avoid: High temperature, open flames, sunlight, oxidizing agents, contamination
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, bases, reducing agents
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin absorption, eye contact
Acute Effects: Irritates eyes, nose, throat, lungs; may cause coughing, headache, nausea, dizziness at higher exposure
Chronic Effects: Dermatitis with repeated contact, possible sensitization or allergic reaction
Carcinogenicity: Not classified as carcinogen by IARC, NTP, OSHA
LD50 (oral, rat): 7900 mg/kg
LC50 (inhalation, rat): 78000 mg/m³/4hr
Aquatic Toxicity: Can be harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects; LC50 for fish: 170 mg/L (96hr, Pimephales promelas)
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately biodegradable, but may persist in environment under certain conditions
Bioaccumulation: Low potential
Mobility in Soil: Migrates readily, may contaminate groundwater
Waste Treatment Methods: Incineration preferred with proper emission controls
Disposal Containers: Use sealed, labeled chemical waste containers
Contaminated Packaging: Follow local regulations, triple rinse if required, do not reuse
Regulatory Requirements: Dispose according to local, state, and federal guidelines; do not discharge to sewer or natural waters
UN Number: 1247
UN Proper Shipping Name: Methyl Methacrylate, stabilized
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: II
Labels: Flammable liquid
Special Precautions: Keep containers upright, away from heat, with intact stabilizer; follow DOT, IATA, IMDG regulations
TSCA: Listed
SARA Title III (Section 313): Yes—reportable for toxic chemical release
RCRA: Listed as hazardous waste if discarded
OSHA Hazard Communication Standard: Covered, labeling needed
WHMIS Classification: B2 (Flammable Liquid); D2B (Other Toxic Effects)
Additional Requirements: SDS must be accessible to workers, training for handling and emergency procedures required, local regulations may impose further restrictions
