Substance profile
Methyl methacrylate
Methyl methacrylate is a colorless volatile liquid with a characteristic quality: sulfur-like, sweet, sharp; hedonic tone: unpleasant odor.
01 · Identification
What Methyl methacrylate is
Methyl methacrylate is a colorless volatile liquid with a characteristic quality: sulfur-like, sweet, sharp; hedonic tone: unpleasant odor. Its molecular formula is C5H8O2 and its molecular weight is 100.12 g/mol. It boils at 101 °C, melts at -47.5 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · Identifiers
Methyl methacrylate identifiers and molecular data
Methyl methacrylate CAS number and EC number
Methyl methacrylate molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for Methyl methacrylate
- MMA
- Acryester M
- Acrylic Acid, 2-Methyl-, Methyl Ester
- Diakon
- Methacrylate Monomer
- Methacrylic Acid Methyl Ester
- Methacrylic Acid, Methyl Ester
- 2-(Methoxycarbonyl)-1-Propene
- Methyl 2-Methyl-2-Propenoate
- Methyl 2-Methylacrylate
- Methyl A-Methylacrylate
- Methyl Alpha-Methylacrylate
- Methyl Ester Of Methacrylic Acid
- methyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate
- methyl 2-methylpropenoate
03 · GHS classification
Methyl methacrylate hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Methyl methacrylate pictograms and signal word
Methyl methacrylate hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flammable liquids GHS chapter 2.6 | Category 2 | H225 | GHS02 |
| Skin corrosion/irritation GHS chapter 3.2 | Category 2 | H315 | 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 methacrylate hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H225 | Highly flammable liquid and vapour. |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation. |
| H315 | Causes skin irritation. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Methyl methacrylate. 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 methacrylate
Our own Methyl methacrylate safety data sheet walks through all sixteen sections of the published data. What it is not is the document an inspector asks for: an SDS is issued for a product by its supplier, so the sheet covering the grade actually standing in your store exists only in that supplier’s version. Collecting those and keeping them current as suppliers revise them is a separate job.
04 · Precautionary statements
Methyl methacrylate precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 14 precautionary statements to Methyl methacrylate. 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 methacrylate 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 метакрилат метилов 2-метилпроп-2-еноатметилов 2-метилпропеноат |
| Spanish español | Metacrilato de metilo 2-metilprop-2-enoato de metilo2-metilpropenoato de metilo |
| Czech čeština | methyl-methakrylát methyl-2-methylprop-2-enoátmethyl-2-methylpropenoát |
| Danish dansk | methylmethacrylat methyl 2-methylprop2enoatmethyl 2-methylpropenoat |
| German Deutsch | Methylmethacrylat Methyl-2-methylprop-2-enoatMethyl-2-methylpropenoat |
| Estonian eesti | metüülmetakrülaat metüül-2-metüülprop-2-enaatmetüül-2-metüülpropenaat |
| Greek ελληνικά | μεθακρυλικός μεθυλεστέρας μεθακρυλικό μεθύλιο2-μεθυλοπροπ-2-ενικός μεθυλεστέρας2-μεθυλοπροπ-2-ενικό μεθύλιο2-μεθυλοπροπενικός μεθυλεστέρας2-μεθυλοπροπενικό μεθύλιο |
| English English | methyl methacrylate methyl 2-methylprop-2-enoatemethyl 2-methylpropenoate |
| French français | méthacrylate de méthyle 2-méthylprop-2-énoate de méthyle2-méthylpropénoate de méthyle |
| Croatian hrvatski | metil-metakrilat metil-2-metilprop-2-enoatmetil-2-metilpropenoat |
| Italian italiano | metacrilato di metile metil-metacrilatometil 2-metilprop-2-enoato |
| Latvian latviešu | metilmetakrilāts metil-2-metilprop-2-enoātsmetil-2-metilpropenoāts |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | metilmetakrilatas metil-2-metil-2-propenoatasmetil-2-metilpropenoatas |
| Hungarian magyar | metil-metakrilát metil-2-metilprop-2-enoátmetil-2-metilpropenoát |
| Maltese Malti | metakrilat tal-metil metil 2-metilprop-2-enoatmetil-2-metilpropenoat |
| Dutch Nederlands | methylmethacrylaat methyl-2-methylprop-2-enoaatmethyl-2-methylpropenoaat |
| Polish polski | metakrylan metylu ester metylowy kwasu metakrylowego |
| Portuguese português | metacrilato de metilo 2-metilprop-2-enoato de metilo2-metilpropenoato de metilo |
| Romanian română | metacrilat de metil 2-metilprop-2-enoat de metil2-metilpropenoat de metil |
| Slovak slovenčina | metyl-metakrylát metyl-2-metylprop-2-enoátO-metyl-2-metylpropenoát |
| Slovenian slovenščina | metil metakrilat metil 2-metilprop-2-enoatmetil 2-metilpropenoat |
| Finnish suomi | metyylimetakrylaatti metyyli-2-metyyliprop-2-enoaattimetyyli-2-metyylipropenoaatti |
| Swedish svenska | metylmetakrylat metyl-2-metylprop-2-enoatmetyl-2-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 methacrylate GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Methyl methacrylate, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
Methyl methacrylate
- Highly flammable liquid and vapour.
- May cause respiratory irritation.
- Causes skin 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.
- Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Wash … thoroughly after handling.
- Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF ON SKIN:
- Get medical advice/attention.
- If skin irritation occurs:
- If skin irritation or rash occurs:
- 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 methacrylate in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Methyl methacrylate health hazards and exposure limits
Methyl methacrylate hazard summary
Methyl methacrylate is used in the manufacture of resins and plastics. Methyl methacrylate is irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes in humans. An allergic response to dermal exposure may develop. Respiratory effects have been reported in humans following acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) inhalation exposures. Respiratory symptoms observed following acute exposures include chest tightness, dyspnea, coughing, wheezing, and reduced peak flow. Neurological symptoms have also been reported in humans following acute exposure to methyl methacrylate. Fetal abnormalities have been reported in animals exposed to methyl methacrylate by injection and inhalation. EPA considers methyl methacrylate not likely to be carcinogenic to humans.
Source: EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
Methyl methacrylate carcinogenicity classification
Under the conditions of these 2-year inhalation studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenicityof methyl methacrylate for male F344/N rats exposed at 500 or 1,000 ppm, for female F344/N rats exposed at 250 or 500 ppm, or for male and female B6C3F1 mice exposed at 500 or 1,000 ppm. Inhalation of methyl methacrylate was associated with inflammation of the nasal cavity and degeneration of the olfactory sensory epithelium in male and female rats and mice; epithelial hyperplasia of the nasal cavity was also observed in exposed mice.
Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-314: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Methyl Methacrylate (CASRN 80-62-6) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies) (1986 )
Evaluation: There is inadequate evidence in humans for the carcinogenicity of methyl methacrylate. There is evidence suggesting lack of carcinogenicity of methyl methacrylate in experimental animals. Overall evaluation: Methyl methacrylate is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group3).
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 methacrylate occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 100.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 100 ppm (410 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | TWA 100 ppm (410 mg/m3) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | 100 ppm (410 mg/m³) | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| REL | TWA 100 ppm (410 mg/m3) | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 1000 ppm (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 1000.0 [ppm] | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | 1000 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 methacrylate 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 methacrylate boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 100.5 °C (212.9 °F) | HSDB | |
| 101.11 °C (214 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 101 °C (213.8 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
Methyl methacrylate melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -47.55 °C (-53.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -47.78 °C (-54 °F) | NIOSH |
Methyl methacrylate density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.94 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 0.945 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.9337 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Methyl methacrylate solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in methyl ethyl ketone, tetrahydrofuran, esters, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons | HSDB | |
| Miscible with ethanol, ethyl ether, acetone; soluble in chloroform | HSDB | ||
| 1.500 lb/100 lb water at 68.02 °F | at 20.01 °C | HSDB |
Methyl methacrylate vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 29 mmHg | NIOSH | |
| 38.5 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| 40 mmHg | at 25.5 °C | CAMEO |
Methyl methacrylate flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 10 °C (50 °F) | open cup | HSDB |
| 12.78 °C (55 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 10 °C (50 °F) | NIOSH |
Methyl methacrylate autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 435 °C (815 °F) | HSDB | |
| 421.11 °C (790 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 421 °C (789.8 °F) | ICSC |
Methyl methacrylate lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 1.7 % by volume | HSDB |
Methyl methacrylate upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 8.2 % by volume | by volume | HSDB |
| 8.2 % by volume | HSDB |
Methyl methacrylate vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 3.45 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.5 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Methyl methacrylate odor threshold
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odor threshold | 0.05 ppm | HSDB | |
| 0.21 ppm | HSDB | ||
| Odor Threshold Low: 0.01 [ppm] | Haz-Map |
Methyl methacrylate critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 293.89 °C (561 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
Methyl methacrylate 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 methacrylate fire potential
A very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame ...
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
Methyl methacrylate storage and handling
Methyl methacrylate reactive group
CAMEO Chemicals places Methyl methacrylate in the reactive groups Acrylates and Acrylic Acids, Polymerizable Compounds. Compatibility with other chemicals is worked out from the group, not from the individual substance — which is why two substances you have never seen react can still be flagged as a pair that must be separated.
A reactive group is a CAMEO Chemicals (US NOAA) grouping, not a GHS hazard class: it has no code, no category and no legal force. It is what the storage compatibility matrix on this site computes from.
Methyl methacrylate peroxide formation
C: Compounds that autopolymerize due to peroxide formation if inhibitors are depleated or not present
Source: Lab and Research Safety, University of Minnesota
Methyl methacrylate safe storage
Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases and strong acids. Cool. Keep in the dark. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Store only if stabilized.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Methyl methacrylate storage conditions
Before entering confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Methyl methacrylate must be stored to avoid contact with oxidizers, such as nitrates, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorates, and peroxides; strong alkalis, such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, and strong acids, such as nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid, since violent reactions occur. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from light, heat, and ionizing radiation, because methyl methacrylate will react and release heat quickly causing an explosion. Store with an appropriate inhibitor. Lack of an appropriate inhibitor may cause an explosive reaction.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Methyl methacrylate incompatible materials
... Can react with oxidizing materials.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Methyl methacrylate reactivity
METHYL METHACRYLATE MONOMER, may polymerize if contaminated or subjected to heat. If polymerization takes place in a container, the container is subject to violent rupture. Oxidizes readily in air to form unstable peroxides that may explode spontaneously [Bretherick 1979. p.151-154, 164]. Peroxides may also initiate exothermic polymierization of the bulk material [Bretherick 1979. p. 160]. Benzoyl peroxide was weighed into a beaker that had previously been rinsed with methyl methacrylate. The peroxide catalyzed polymerization of the methyl methacrylate and the build-up of heat ignited the remaining peroxide [MCA Case History 996. 1964].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Methyl methacrylate in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Questions
Methyl methacrylate — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Methyl methacrylate?
The CAS number of Methyl methacrylate is 80-62-6. Its EC number is 201-297-1.
What is the chemical formula of Methyl methacrylate?
The molecular formula of Methyl methacrylate is C5H8O2 and its molecular weight is 100.12 g/mol.
What does a Methyl methacrylate label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Methyl methacrylate carries the pictograms Flame and Exclamation mark and the signal word is Danger.
Is Methyl methacrylate flammable?
Yes. CLP Annex VI assigns Methyl methacrylate H225 — highly flammable liquid and vapour. The flash point reported for it is 10 °C (50 °F), open cup (HSDB).
Is Methyl methacrylate a carcinogen?
CLP Annex VI records no harmonised carcinogenicity classification for Methyl methacrylate. 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 3: not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.
What is the exposure limit for Methyl methacrylate?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for Methyl methacrylate is 100.0 [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 methacrylate?
The boiling point reported for Methyl methacrylate is 100.5 °C (212.9 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Methyl methacrylate?
The melting point reported for Methyl methacrylate is -47.55 °C (-53.6 °F) (HSDB).
How should Methyl methacrylate be stored?
CLP Annex VI assigns Methyl methacrylate the storage statement P403. Before entering confined space where this chemical may be present, check to make sure that an explosive concentration does not exist. Methyl methacrylate must be stored to avoid contact with oxidizers, such as nitrates, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorates, and peroxides; strong alkalis, such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, and strong acids, such as nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid, since violent reactions occur. Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well ventilated area away from light, heat, and ionizing radiation, because methyl methacrylate will react and release heat quickly causing an explosion. Store with an appropriate inhibitor. Lack of an appropriate inhibitor may cause an explosive reaction. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
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