Metakrylaattihappoa

Metakrylaattihappoa, also known as methacrylic acid (MAA), is an organic compound with the chemical formula C4H6O2. It is a carboxylic acid with a vinyl group attached to the alpha carbon. MAA is a colorless, viscous liquid with a distinct acrid odor. It is soluble in water and most organic solvents. The molecule contains both a carboxyl group and a carbon-carbon double bond, which makes it highly reactive and capable of undergoing various chemical reactions, including polymerization.

The primary industrial use of methacrylic acid is as a monomer for the production of polymers and copolymers. The most important of these is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), commonly known as acrylic glass or Plexiglas. PMMA is a transparent thermoplastic known for its clarity, impact resistance, and weatherability. Methacrylic acid is also used in the synthesis of other acrylic polymers and copolymers, which find applications in paints, coatings, adhesives, textiles, and ion-exchange resins. Its reactive double bond allows it to participate in free-radical polymerization. It can be produced through various methods, including the acetone cyanohydrin process and the oxidation of isobutylene or tert-butyl alcohol.