Chemical Name: Methyl Acrylate
Synonyms: Acrylic acid methyl ester, 2-Propenoic acid, methyl ester
Chemical Formula: C4H6O2
Molecular Weight: 86.09 g/mol
CAS Number: 96-33-3
Recommended Use: Manufacturing of polymers, adhesives, coatings, and fibers
Manufacturer/Supplier: Refer to local supplier for updated contact information
Emergency Phone Number: Listed on transportation documentation or supplier information
Classification: Flammable liquid (Category 2), Acute toxicity (Category 3, 4), Skin irritation (Category 2), Eye irritation (Category 2), Sensitization (Category 1), Specific target organ toxicity (single exposure – Category 3)
GHS Label: Flame, Exclamation mark, Health hazard
Signal Word: Danger
Hazard Statements: Highly flammable liquid and vapour. Harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Causes skin and serious eye irritation. May cause allergic skin reaction. May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary Statements: Keep container tightly closed. Store in well-ventilated place. Use non-sparking tools. Wash hands after handling.
Methyl Acrylate: 97–100% by weight
Other Components: Stabilizers (e.g., hydroquinone or hydroquinone monomethyl ether ≤0.01%)
Impurities: Small traces of acrylate monomers or residual solvents may occasionally appear
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or appear severe.
Skin Contact: Immediately wash affected area with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes; remove contaminated clothing and seek medical advice if irritation develops.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, holding eyelids apart. Remove contact lenses if present. Continue rinsing and seek immediate medical attention.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth thoroughly with water. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get immediate medical attention.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, alcohol-resistant foam, or water spray.
Specific Hazards: Vapours may form explosive mixtures with air. Fire can produce irritating or toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Protective Equipment: Full protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for fire-fighters.
Advice for Firefighters: Use water spray to cool surrounding containers. Avoid breathing vapours or decomposition products.
Personal Precautions: Evacuate unnecessary personnel. Ensure adequate ventilation. Remove sources of ignition. Use protective equipment, including solvent-resistant gloves, goggles, and chemical-resistant clothing.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry to waterways, drains, or soil. Notify authorities if large spill contaminates soil or waterways.
Cleanup Methods: Contain spill. Absorb with inert materials (sand, earth, or vermiculite). Transfer to containers for disposal following local regulations. Clean contaminated area thoroughly. Dispose using approved waste facilities.
Handling: Use only in well-ventilated areas. Avoid inhaling vapours, direct skin or eye contact. Ground all equipment before transfer. No smoking or open flames in work area. Keep away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers, acids, or bases.
Storage: Store in a tightly closed, properly labelled container, away from heat, sparks, and flames. Keep in a dry, well-ventilated area with temperature controls if possible. Use appropriate stabilizers to prevent polymerization. Keep out of reach of unauthorized personnel.
Occupational Exposure Limits: ACGIH TLV 10 ppm, OSHA PEL 10 ppm (35 mg/m³)
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation. Provide eyewash stations and safety showers in areas where product is handled.
Personal Protective Equipment: Wear chemical splash goggles and a face shield. Wear impermeable gloves made of nitrile, butyl rubber, or other chemical-resistant material. Use flame-retardant and anti-static clothing. Use approved respirators when airborne concentrations approach exposure limits or during emergencies.
Appearance: Colorless liquid
Odor: Pungent, acrid, ester-like odor
Odor Threshold: Approximately 0.12 ppm
pH: Not applicable (substance is not water-soluble)
Melting Point: -75°C
Boiling Point: 80°C
Flash Point: 8°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Faster than ether
Flammability: Highly flammable
Upper/Lower Explosion Limits: 2.8–16.1% (in air)
Vapor Pressure: 90 mmHg (20°C)
Vapor Density: 3 (air = 1)
Relative Density: 0.95 @ 20°C (water = 1)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (<5%); mixes with most organic solvents
Partition Coefficient (n-octanol/water): 0.55
Auto-ignition Temperature: 400°C
Decomposition Temperature: Not specified
Viscosity: Low (<1 mPa·s at 20°C)
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; tends to polymerize if not stabilized.
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: May polymerize violently without proper inhibitors or under heat, sunlight, or contamination with acids, bases, or peroxides.
Conditions to Avoid: Heat, open flames, spark sources, ultraviolet light, incompatible substances (particularly strong acids, bases, and oxidizers).
Incompatible Materials: Oxidizing agents, reducing agents, bases, strong acids, and various polymerization initiators.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Acrid smoke, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and possibly other harmful vapors or gases.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact, ingestion
Acute Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rat): 300 mg/kg; LC50 (inhalation, rat): 2,530 ppm/4h
Inhalation: Causes respiratory irritation, coughing, possible dizziness, or symptoms of central nervous system depression at higher levels.
Skin Contact: Causes severe irritation, redness, and possibly blistering. Allergic reactions have been reported.
Eye Contact: Severe immediate irritation; danger of lasting effects on vision.
Ingestion: Harmful; may cause abdominal pain, vomiting, or chemical burns.
Chronic Effects: Long-term exposure may cause sensitization, dermatitis, and possible central nervous system, liver, or kidney effects.
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen.
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence from animal studies of mutagenicity or reproductive toxicity has been reported with occupational exposures; always review fresh research for updates.
Aquatic Toxicity: Toxic to aquatic organisms at low concentrations; LC50 (fish, 96 h): ~7 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Moderately biodegradable in water and soil via microbial action; breaks down under UV light and with time.
Bioaccumulation Potential: Low (log Kow < 1)
Mobility in Soil: Likely to leach; moves rapidly in soil and groundwater given its volatility and water solubility.
Other Adverse Effects: Vapours contribute to photochemical smog and ozone formation; accidental releases risk fish kills and harm aquatic plants.
Waste Treatment Methods: Collect liquid in appropriate chemical waste containers. Solidify or absorb residual product. Thermally destroy in approved incinerators with afterburners and scrubbers.
Disposal of Packaging: Decontaminate, triple rinse, and dispose of as hazardous waste under local and national regulations.
Environmental Precautions: Avoid release to sewers, surface water, or soil.
Special Considerations: Always use licensed chemical waste handlers. Consult local, regional, and national environmental authorities for guidance.
UN Number: 1919
Proper Shipping Name: Methyl Acrylate
Transport Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
Packing Group: I
DOT (US) Label: Flammable Liquid
IMDG/IMO: Flammable, Marine Pollutant
ICAO/IATA: Dangerous goods, subject to strict packaging and quantity limits
Environmental Hazards: Yes, Marine Pollutant (IMDG)—mark all containers accordingly
Special Precautions: Segregate from food, oxidizers, acids; ensure grounding/bonding during transfer; keep cool during transport
OSHA (USA): Classified as hazardous; subject to Hazard Communication Standard
SARA Title III: Listed under SARA 302 (Extremely Hazardous Substances); subject to Sections 311, 312, and 313 reporting requirements
TSCA: Listed (USA)
Chemicals of Concern in California (Proposition 65): Not currently listed
REACH (EU): Substance of high concern, subject to registration and authorization
Canada (WHMIS): B2 (Flammable liquid), D1A (Very toxic), D2B (Skin sensitizer/irritant)
Other Regulations: Workers must receive comprehensive safety training. Local and national specifications for transport, storage, and disposal hold legal force and should guide all activities involving this substance. Always check for the most up-to-date requirements in your jurisdiction.
