Methylacryloyl

Methylacryloyl is a chemical functional group derived from methacrylic acid. It consists of a carbonyl group bonded to a methyl group and a vinyl group. The chemical formula for the methylacryloyl group is CH2=C(CH3)C(=O)-. This group is commonly found in monomers used in the production of polymers, most notably as the repeating unit in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylic glass or Plexiglas.

The presence of the double bond in the methylacryloyl group makes it highly reactive and susceptible to polymerization reactions, typically through free radical mechanisms. This reactivity is fundamental to its widespread use in creating durable, transparent plastics. Derivatives of methylacryloyl, such as methyl methacrylate itself, are widely manufactured and utilized across various industries, including automotive, construction, electronics, and medical devices. The properties of polymers containing the methylacryloyl group, such as their clarity, rigidity, and weather resistance, are directly attributable to the structure and reactivity of this functional group.