Allyl Methacrylate sits among the lesser-known but vital chemicals in industrial chemistry, often used for its ability to bring crosslinking abilities into resins, plastics, and coatings. This compound carries the chemical formula C7H10O2, with a molecular weight of 126.16 g/mol. Even though the name might sound intimidating, I’ve seen this liquid appreciated across labs and manufacturing sites for how it transforms raw materials into high-performance products. Clear, colorless, and carrying a distinctive, pungent odor, it frequently appears in liquid or crystal form. Typical commercial packaging includes liters or drums, ensuring that users can scale quantities to batch sizes. Every chemist working with MMA co-polymers recognizes Allyl Methacrylate by its combination of an allyl group and a methacrylate group, allowing more flexibility in chain formation during polymerization.
You notice Allyl Methacrylate cropping up in specialty acrylics, adhesives, dental materials, coatings, and films. As a crosslinking agent, it offers something special: the double bonds in its structure support firm, sticky, long-lasting polymers. The backbone of its structure consists of a methacrylate group joined to an allyl side chain. Such a structure boosts reactivity with other monomers. This is why production teams choose it for custom applications—polymer beads, tough acrylic sheets, and lightweight yet rigid composites.
Talking specifics, its density averages around 0.96 g/cm³ at 20°C. Many suppliers deliver it as a liquid, but highly purified versions might come as powder or even crystalline forms. The melting point ranges near -64°C, while the boiling point lands at 194°C. It dissolves in many organic solvents like acetone, benzene, or ethanol. Because it takes on liquid, crystal, or sometimes even pearled solid forms, you see it delivered in small bottles for labs or 200-liter drums for factories. Some suppliers even offer it as a prepared solution, making safer handling and precise blending easier.
When shipping and importing this material, the HS Code most recognized is 2916.14.00. Chemical traders, procurement teams, and customs officials lean on this code to streamline movement through borders. In experience, details such as purity levels—often upwards of 98%—and moisture content matter. This data gets listed in supplier specifications because high purity guarantees consistent end-product performance.
Allyl Methacrylate falls in the category of hazardous materials, so regulations pay close attention. Its high reactivity, flammability, and volatility drive the need for robust storage measures. Workers handling this chemical wear gloves, goggles, and sturdy lab coats—eye wash stations stand nearby. Inhalation or skin contact can bring harmful effects, including irritation. Fire safety remains a priority—extinguishers and proper ventilation are a must, as this compound emits toxic fumes when heated beyond its boiling point.
The chemical structure features a methacrylic acid unit linked to an allylic group, spelling out C7H10O2. In my view, the presence of both double bonds unlocks greater control over cross-linking in polymeric reactions. Bulk deliveries show a faintly yellow or colorless fluid, but small-scale, highly refined versions deliver as white crystalline solids. The compound’s density tracks at just under 1 g/cm³, so it remains lighter than water but heavier than most solvents.
Trade often moves this volatile chemical as a stabilized solution, because pure forms risk premature polymerization. Adding trace inhibitors like hydroquinone provides safer working conditions and longer shelf life. That doesn’t mean risk disappears, though— even trace impurities can trigger unwanted reactions or contamination, so the industry standard pushes toward highest possible purity, with suppliers providing COAs (Certificates of Analysis) per batch.
Most manufacturers produce Allyl Methacrylate using allyl alcohol and methacrylic acid as core raw materials. These inputs combine through esterification, after which distillation and purification pull out the finished product. Chemical engineers keep close tabs on every part of the process, tightly controlling temperature and catalyst exposure to maximize yield and safety. I’ve seen that tolerance for contaminants runs low—off-spec batches don’t make it to market.
Demand comes from high-value industries. Makers of molded plastic goods tap into its crosslinking to improve strength and chemical resistance. Dentists value its low-shrinkage acrylic resins for cosmetic procedures. Some paints and coatings incorporate it to enhance durability. Fiber producers find it helps stretch and shape synthetic yarns. These applications mean increased safety and reliability in everyday items: pipes that resist cracking, adhesives that stay stuck, and even lightweight car parts that meet strict crash standards.
Working with chemicals like Allyl Methacrylate means facing up to hazards that go beyond lab benches. Every production facility balances risks—fire, toxicity, and contamination loom. Supported by regulatory agencies, many plants add extra layers of training, sensors, and emergency planning. I’ve dealt with real-world scenarios where even a small leak can trigger large-scale safety checks. There’s a growing push to automate more blending and mixing processes, keeping human hands at a safe distance. Emergency protocols grow stricter each year, with detailed attention paid to exhaust scrubbing and spill treatment.
Waste management remains an ongoing challenge. Spent solutions and wash water can’t enter the environment unchecked—specialized incineration, solvent recycling, and chemical neutralization systems keep communities safe. Shipping partners dedicate extra care to tracking and documentation. Big suppliers work closely with logistics and customs teams to make sure shipments labeled under the correct HS Code move without avoidable delays. Besides, industry partners invest in research for greener, safer alternatives—sometimes blending in bio-based feedstocks or rolling out pilot programs for recyclable packaging.
Any discussion of modern materials brings up a long chain of ingredients that few outside chemistry circles notice. Allyl Methacrylate shows how a single molecule can shift the performance curve in unexpected ways. From lightweight auto parts to dental prosthetics and water-resistant adhesives, this molecule gives engineers and designers more options. My experience suggests that behind every specification lies a quest for safer, more sustainable alternatives, balancing commercial needs with real risks. Understanding the structure, properties, and safety data helps researchers innovate while protecting workers and communities—not just for today, but for years ahead.
