Substance profile
Methyl Acrylate
Methyl Acrylate is a colorless volatile liquid with an acrid odor.
01 · Identification
What Methyl Acrylate is
Methyl Acrylate is a colorless volatile liquid with an acrid odor. Its molecular formula is C4H6O2 and its molecular weight is 86.09 g/mol. It boils at 80.1 °C, melts at -75.6 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 3rd degree.
02 · Identifiers
Methyl Acrylate identifiers and molecular data
Methyl Acrylate CAS number and EC number
Methyl Acrylate molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for Methyl Acrylate
- methyl propenoate
03 · GHS classification
Methyl Acrylate hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Methyl Acrylate pictograms and signal word
Methyl Acrylate hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable liquids GHS chapter 2.6 | Category 2 | H225 | GHS02 |
| Acute toxicity - oral GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 4 | H302 | GHS07 |
| Acute toxicity - dermal GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 4 | H312 | GHS07 |
| Acute toxicity - inhalation GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 3 | H331 | GHS06 |
| Skin corrosion/irritation GHS chapter 3.2 | Category 2 | H315 | GHS07 |
| Serious eye damage/eye irritation GHS chapter 3.3 | Category 2A | H319 | GHS07 |
| Skin sensitisation GHS chapter 3.4 | Category 1 or 1A or 1B | H317 | GHS07 |
| Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure GHS chapter 3.8 | Category 3 | H335 | GHS07 |
Where two values are shown with “or”, the hazard statement is shared by more than one category or by more than one class, and the code alone does not say which. H272, for example, belongs to oxidising liquids and to oxidising solids — the physical state decides. The binding answer for a specific entry is in the CLP Annex VI table itself.
Methyl Acrylate hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H331 | Toxic if inhaled. |
| H312 | Harmful in contact with skin. |
| H302 | Harmful if swallowed. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Methyl Acrylate. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for Methyl Acrylate
A Safety Data Sheet is written for a product, not for a substance: the supplier of the grade you actually buy issues it, so two suppliers of Methyl Acrylate issue two different sheets. That is why there is no single authoritative SDS for a substance to download — what there is, is the job of collecting the sheets for the products you hold and keeping them current as suppliers revise them.
04 · Precautionary statements
Methyl Acrylate precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 25 precautionary statements to Methyl Acrylate. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
Methyl Acrylate name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | метилов акрилат метилов пропеноат |
| Spanish español | Acrilato de metilo propenoato de metilo |
| Czech čeština | methyl-akrylát methyl-propenoát |
| Danish dansk | methylacrylat methylpropenoat |
| German Deutsch | Methylacrylat Methlproenoat |
| Estonian eesti | metüülakrülaat metüülpropenoaat |
| Greek ελληνικά | ακρυλικός μεθυλεστέρας ακρυλικό μεθύλιοπροπενοϊκός μεθυλεστέραςπροπενοϊκό μεθύλιο |
| English English | methyl acrylate methyl propenoate |
| French français | acrylate de méthyle propénoate de méthyle |
| Croatian hrvatski | metil akrilat metil propenoat |
| Italian italiano | acrilato di metile metil propenoato |
| Latvian latviešu | metilakrilāts metilpropenoāts |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | metilakrilatas metilpropenoatas |
| Hungarian magyar | metil-akrilát metil-propenoát |
| Maltese Malti | akrilat tal-metil propenoat tal-metil |
| Dutch Nederlands | methylacrylaat methylpropenoaat |
| Polish polski | akrylan metylu propenian metylu |
| Portuguese português | acrilato de metilo propenoato de metilo |
| Romanian română | acrilat de metil propenoatul de metil |
| Slovak slovenčina | metyl-akrylát metyl-propenoát |
| Slovenian slovenščina | metil akrilat metil propenoat |
| Finnish suomi | metyyliakrylaatti metyylipropenoaatti |
| Swedish svenska | metylakrylat metylpropenoat |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
Methyl Acrylate GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Methyl Acrylate, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
Methyl Acrylate
- Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
- Toxic if inhaled.
- Harmful in contact with skin.
- Harmful if swallowed.
- May cause respiratory irritation.
- Causes skin irritation.
- Causes serious eye irritation.
- May cause an allergic skin reaction.
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
- Keep container tightly closed.
- Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
- Use only non-sparking tools.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Wash … thoroughly after handling.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF SWALLOWED:
- IF ON SKIN:
- IF INHALED:
- IF IN EYES:
- Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
- Call a POISON CENTER/doctor/… if you feel unwell.
- Get medical advice/attention.
- Rinse mouth.
- If skin irritation occurs:
- If skin irritation or rash occurs:
- If eye irritation persists:
- Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- Wash with plenty of water/…
- Store in a well-ventilated place.
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open Methyl Acrylate in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Methyl Acrylate health hazards and exposure limits
Methyl Acrylate hazard summary
Lethal concentrations are 237 ppm in rabbits and guinea pigs and 578 ppm in rats with animals showing dyspnea, convulsions, and microscopic evidence of pulmonary congestion. [ACGIH] Liquid causes first degree burns on short exposure. [CHRIS] Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. [ICSC] A lachrymator; [CHEMINFO] Methyl acrylate, stabilized (UN1919) has warning of explosive polymerization; [ERG 2016]
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
Methyl Acrylate carcinogenicity classification
CLASSIFICATION: D; not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Based on inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in animals and no human data. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: None. ANIMAL CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Inadequate.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Evaluation: No epidemiological data relevant to the carcinogenicity of methyl acrylate were available. There is inadequate evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of methyl acrylate. Overall evaluation: Methyl acrylate is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
An IARC group and a CLP classification answer different questions. IARC judges whether the evidence for cancer in humans is strong enough; CLP Annex VI is the legally binding EU classification. A substance can carry one and not the other.
Methyl Acrylate occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 10.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 10 ppm (35 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 10 ppm (35 mg/m3) [skin] | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | 10 ppm (35 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | TWA 10 ppm (35 mg/m3) [skin] | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 250 ppm (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 250.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | 250 ppm | Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
Methyl Acrylate properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
Methyl Acrylate boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 80.1 °C (176.2 °F) | HSDB | |
| 80 °C (176 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 80.5 °C (176.9 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
Methyl Acrylate melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -75.6 °C (-104.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -76.67 °C (-106 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| -76.5 °C (-105.7 °F) | CAMEO |
Methyl Acrylate density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.9586 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 0.9535 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB |
Methyl Acrylate solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water | HSDB | |
| Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, acetone, chloroform, benzene | HSDB | ||
| In water, 4.94X10+4 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Methyl Acrylate vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 65 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 65 mmHg | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 86.6 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Methyl Acrylate flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | -3 °C (26.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -2.78 °C (27 °F) | HSDB |
Methyl Acrylate autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 468.33 °C (875 °F) | HSDB | |
| 468 °C (874.4 °F) | ICSC |
Methyl Acrylate lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 2.8 % by volume | HSDB |
Methyl Acrylate upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 25 % by volume | HSDB |
Methyl Acrylate vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 2.97 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3 (air = 1) | CAMEO |
Methyl Acrylate odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | Smell can be detected at a concentration of about 20 ppm | HSDB | |
| Water: 0.0021 mg/L; Air: 0.0048 uL/L; odor safety class A; A= More than 90% of distracted persons perceive warning of TLV concentration in the air. | HSDB | ||
| 0.017 mg/cu m (air) | HSDB |
Methyl Acrylate critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 263 °C (505.4 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
Methyl Acrylate fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Methyl Acrylate fire potential
Flammable and combustible liquid
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
Methyl Acrylate storage and handling
Methyl Acrylate safe storage
Fireproof. See Chemical Dangers. Cooled. Keep in the dark. Well closed. Store only if stabilized.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Methyl Acrylate storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature 2-8 °C. Light sensitive.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Methyl Acrylate incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Oxidizing agents, peroxides.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Methyl Acrylate reactivity
METHYL ACRYLATE ignites readily when exposed to heat, flame or sparks. Offers a dangerous fire and explosion hazard. Reacts vigorously with strong oxidizing materials. Forms peroxides when exposed to air that may initiate spontaneous exothermic polymerization. Peroxide formation usually proceeds slowly. Added inhibitor retards polymerization. If the inhibitor is consumed during long storage, explosive polymerization may occur [MCA Case History No. 2033]. Also subject to strongly exothermic polymerization if heated for prolonged periods or contaminated.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Methyl Acrylate in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
Methyl Acrylate UN number and transport classification
Transport classification is a separate system from the GHS classification above. It decides how a package is marked and how a load may be carried; it does not follow from the workplace label, and the workplace label does not follow from it. The entries below are linked by CAS number, never by name.
Methyl Acrylate under UN 1919 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| METHYL ACRYLATE, STABILIZED | 3 | F1 | II | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 3 is “Flammable liquids” (ADR 2.1.1.1).
United States · 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
| Proper shipping name (column 2) | Class or division | PG | Labels (column 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Methyl acrylate, stabilized | 3 | II | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 3 is “Flammable and combustible liquid” (49 CFR 173.2).
12 · Questions
Methyl Acrylate — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Methyl Acrylate?
The CAS number of Methyl Acrylate is 96-33-3. Its EC number is 202-500-6.
What is the chemical formula of Methyl Acrylate?
The molecular formula of Methyl Acrylate is C4H6O2 and its molecular weight is 86.09 g/mol.
What does a Methyl Acrylate label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Methyl Acrylate carries the pictograms Flame and Skull and crossbones and the signal word is Danger.
Is Methyl Acrylate flammable?
Yes. CLP Annex VI assigns Methyl Acrylate H225 — highly flammable liquid and vapour. The flash point reported for it is -3 °C (26.6 °F) (HSDB).
Is Methyl Acrylate a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for Methyl Acrylate. Annex VI is a list of agreed classifications, not a list of substances found safe, so this is an absence of a classification rather than a clean bill of health. IARC places it in Group 2B: possibly carcinogenic to humans.
What is the exposure limit for Methyl Acrylate?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for Methyl Acrylate is 10.0 [ppm] (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of Methyl Acrylate?
The boiling point reported for Methyl Acrylate is 80.1 °C (176.2 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Methyl Acrylate?
The melting point reported for Methyl Acrylate is -75.6 °C (-104.1 °F) (HSDB).
How should Methyl Acrylate be stored?
CLP Annex VI assigns Methyl Acrylate the storage statement P403. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Recommended storage temperature 2-8 °C. Light sensitive. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
Substances next to Methyl Acrylate
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