METHYL METHACRYLATE Meaning and
Definition
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Methyl methacrylate is a chemical compound that falls under the category of esters and is formed through the reaction of methacrylic acid with methanol. It is commonly abbreviated as MMA and its molecular formula is C5H8O2.
Methyl methacrylate is a colorless, flammable liquid that has a characteristic sweet and fruity odor. It is soluble in many organic solvents but has low solubility in water. It is primarily used in the production of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which is a transparent and rigid thermoplastic commonly known as acrylic glass. PMMA is widely utilized in various applications such as windows, signs, lighting fixtures, aircraft canopies, and medical devices.
In addition to its role in PMMA production, methyl methacrylate is also used as a monomer in the manufacturing of various other polymers and copolymers. These materials find applications in adhesives, coatings, plastics, and textile fibers. Furthermore, methyl methacrylate is used as a raw material in the synthesis of resins, films, and protective coatings that provide properties like clarity, weather resistance, and high impact strength.
However, it is important to handle methyl methacrylate with care as it is a hazardous substance. It can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system and may lead to allergic reactions in some individuals. Long-term exposure to elevated levels of methyl methacrylate may cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Hence, appropriate safety precautions and protective measures should be followed when handling this chemical.
Common Misspellings for METHYL METHACRYLATE
- nethyl methacrylate
- kethyl methacrylate
- jethyl methacrylate
- mwthyl methacrylate
- msthyl methacrylate
- mdthyl methacrylate
- mrthyl methacrylate
- m4thyl methacrylate
- m3thyl methacrylate
- merhyl methacrylate
- mefhyl methacrylate
- meghyl methacrylate
- meyhyl methacrylate
- me6hyl methacrylate
- me5hyl methacrylate
- metgyl methacrylate
- metbyl methacrylate
- metnyl methacrylate
- metjyl methacrylate
- metuyl methacrylate
Etymology of METHYL METHACRYLATE
The word "methyl methacrylate" is derived from several components:
1. Methyl: It comes from the Greek word "methy" meaning "wine" or "sweet". In modern chemistry, "methyl" refers to a group consisting of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms (-CH₃).
2. Meth-: It is a prefix indicating a single carbon atom.
3. Acrylate: It comes from the parent compound "acrylic acid". The term "acrylic" refers to a chemical compound containing the acrylic group (-CH₂=CH-COO⁻), derived from propene (also called propylene). Acrylic acid is produced by the oxidation of propene, and by esterifying it with methanol, we get methyl acrylate.
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