Methyl acrylate is a derivative ester of the acrylic acid and methyl alcohol. Under normal conditions it is a colorless, moving, volatile liquid with a strong specific acrid odor. It easily polymerizes. Ethyl acrylate is qualified as a flammable liquid with a median ignition temperature. Under normal conditions, methyl acrylate spontaneously polymerizes and decomposes. In elevated temperatures, it polymerizes explosively. It comes into a violent reaction with oxidants.

Method of obtaining
Methyl acrylate is obtained on an industrial scale from ethylene cyanhydrin and methyl alcohol (in the presence of the sulphuric acid) or from the mixture of acethylene, nickel tetracarbonyl and methyl alcohol, in the presence of hydrogen chloride.

Application
It is used as a monomer to obtain various kinds of polymers. It is used to produce plastics, paints and varnishes, and in numerous organic syntheses.

Storage and transport
Store in original, appropriately marked packaging in the storeroom of flammable and hazardous liquids equipped with an anti-explosive ventilation and electrical system, on a hard ground, in fairly low temperature. Do not fill the packaging to more than 90% of its volume. In the storeroom, do not smoke or eat meals, do not use open fire or spark-producing tools. The storage rules are defined in the PN-89/C-81400 standard. UN (ONZ) number: 1919 stabilized methyl acrylate. RID/ADR/IMO class: 3. Classification code: F1. Limited quantities: LQ4. Storage group: II. Hazard distinctive number: 339. Hazard label according to ADR/RID: 3

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