Description
Butyl methacrylate (BMA) is the organic compound with the formula C4H9O2CC(CH3)=CH2. A colorless liquid, it is a common monomer for the preparation of methacrylate polymers. It is typically polymerized under free-radical conditions.
Butyl methacrylate is a versatile, plasticizing methacrylate monomer that acts as an important building block in many copolymer compositions. Serving as a base for acrylic resins, BMA provides exceptional weather resistance, high gloss, color retention, and durability. BMA contributes more intermediate glass transition and hardness values, with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 20 °C.
Chemical Properties
clear colourless liquid with an ester-like odour
Chemical Properties
Butyl methacrylate is a flammable, colorless
liquid with a mild odor.
Uses
manufacture of methacrylic resins, solvent coatings, adhesives, oil additives; emulsions for textiles, leather and paper finishing;
cross-linking methacrylic monomer for use in dental composite materials, artificial nails, etc.
Uses
n-Butyl methacrylate is used as a monomer for resins,
solvent coatings, adhesives, oil additives, emulsions for
textiles, leather, and paper finishing and in the manufacture
of contact lenses . It is also used in dental resins,
oil dispersible pesticides, and acrylic surface coatings
and as copolymers, for example, in paraffin embedding
media .
Uses
Monomer for resins, solvent coatings, adhe-
sives, oil additives; emulsions for textiles, leather,
and paper finishing.
Production Methods
n-Butyl methacrylate is produced by the reaction of
methacrylic acid or methyl methacrylate with butanol .
Definition
ChEBI: Butylmethacrylate is an enoate ester.
General Description
A clear colorless liquid. Flash point 130°F. Less dense (7.5 lb / gal) than water and insoluble in water. Hence floats on water. Vapors heavier than air. Used to make resins adhesives, and oil additives.
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. Sensitive to moisture. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Butyl methacrylate reacts exothermically with acids. Reacts with oxidizing agents. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is generated with caustic solutions. Generates flammable hydrogen with alkali metals and hydrides. Polymerizes easily .
Hazard
Toxic by ingestion. Moderate fire risk.
Health Hazard
Inhalation may cause nausea because of offensive odor. Contact with liquid causes irritation of eyes and mild irritation of skin. Ingestion causes irritation of mouth and stomach.
Fire Hazard
Behavior in Fire: Containers may explode due to polymerization.
Chemical Reactivity
Reactivity with Water No reaction; Reactivity with Common Materials: No reactions; Stability During Transport: Stable; Neutralizing Agents for Acids and Caustics: Not pertinent; Polymerization: May occur upon exposure to heat; Inhibitor of Polymerization: 9-15 ppm monomethyl ether of hydroquinone; 90-120 ppm hydroquinone.
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic by
intraperitoneal route. Mddly toxic by
ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. An
experimental teratogen. Experimental
reproductive effects. A skin irritant.
Flammable liquid when exposed to heat or
flame. Explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat or flame. Violent
polymerization can be caused by heat,
moisture, oxidizers. To fight fire, use foam,
dry chemical, CO2. When heated to
decomposition it emits acrid smoke and
irritating fumes.
Potential Exposure
Forms an explosive mixture with air.
Unless inhibitor is maintained at the proper level, oxidizers,
heat, ultraviolet light, contamination, or moisture may
cause polymerization. May accumulate static electrical
charges and cause ignition of its vapors.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove anycontact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least15 min, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seekmedical attention immediately. If this chemical contactsthe skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove fromexposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing hasstopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transferpromptly to a medical facility. When this chemical hasbeen swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit. Medical observation is recommendedfor 2448 h after breathing overexposure, as pulmonaryedema may be delayed. As first aid for pulmonary edema,a doctor or authorized paramedic may consider administering a corticosteroid spray
storage
Color Code—Red: Flammability Hazard: Store ina flammable liquid storage area or approved cabinet awayfrom ignition sources and corrosive and reactive materials.Protect against physical damage. Before entering confinedspace where this chemical may be present, check to makesure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Outsideor detached storage is preferred. Prior to working with butylmethacrylate you should be trained on its proper handlingand storage. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool,well-ventilated area away from incompatible materialslisted above and from light and heat. Butyl methacrylateshould be kept refrigerated and inhibited with 10-ppmhydroquinone monomethylether. Metal containers involvingthe transfer of this chemical should be grounded andbonded. Drums must be equipped with self-closing valves,pressure vacuum bungs, and flame arresters. Use only nonsparking tools and equipment, especially when opening andclosing containers of this chemical. Sources of ignition,such as smoking and open flames, are prohibited where thischemical is used, handled, or stored in a manner that couldcreate a potential fire or explosion hazard.
Shipping
UN2227 Butyl methacrylate, stabilized, Hazard
Class: 3; Labels: 3—Flammable liquid.
Purification Methods
Purify as for butyl acrylate. [Beilstein 2 IV 1525.]
Incompatibilities
Forms an explosive mixture with air.
Unless inhibitor is maintained at the proper level, oxidizers,
heat, ultraviolet light, contamination, or moisture may
cause polymerization. May accumulate static electrical
charges and cause ignition of its vapors
Waste Disposal
Dissolve or mix the material
with a combustible solvent and burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber. All federal,
state, and local environmental regulations must be
observed.
