methacylát

Methacylate is a term that generally refers to a salt or ester of methacrylic acid. Methacrylic acid is an organic compound with the formula CH2=C(CH3)COOH. It is a carboxylic acid with a vinyl group and a methyl group attached to the alpha carbon. Methacylates are monomers commonly used in the production of polymers, particularly acrylic polymers.

The most well-known methacylate is methyl methacrylate (MMA). Methyl methacrylate is a colorless liquid with a characteristic acrid odor. It is the primary monomer used to produce poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), which is widely recognized by trade names such as Plexiglas and Lucite. PMMA is a transparent thermoplastic often used as a lightweight and shatter-resistant alternative to glass. It finds applications in a diverse range of products, including windows, signs, lenses, and protective shields.

Other methacylate esters, such as ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), are also utilized in polymer synthesis. These monomers, when polymerized, yield polymers with varying properties, influencing their flexibility, hardness, and solubility. For instance, HEMA is a key component in the production of soft contact lenses due to its hydrophilic nature. The specific properties of the resulting polymer are determined by the choice of the alcohol group in the methacylate ester. Methacrylate polymers are known for their clarity, weather resistance, and ability to be molded into various shapes.