Methyl cyanoacrylate (MCA; also sometimes referred to as α-cyanoacrylate or alpha-cyanoacrylate)[3] is an organic compound that contains several functional groups: a methyl ester, a nitrile, and an alkene. It is a colorless liquid with low viscosity. Its chief use is as the main component of cyanoacrylate glues.[4][5] It can be encountered under many trade names. Methyl cyanoacrylate is less commonly encountered than ethyl cyanoacrylate.

It is soluble in acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, nitromethane, and dichloromethane.[6] MCA polymerizes rapidly in presence of moisture.

Safety

Heating the polymer causes depolymerization of the cured MCA, producing gaseous products which are a strong irritant to the lungs and eyes. With regard to occupational exposure to MCA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends workers do not exceed exposures over 2 ppm (8 mg/m3) over an eight-hour workshift, or over 4 ppm (16 mg/m3) over a short-term exposure.[7]

References

  1. ^ Methyl 2-cyanoacrylate at Cameo Chemicals
  2. ^ a b c d e f NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. "#0405". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
  3. ^ "Cyanoacrylate Derivative - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics". www.sciencedirect.com. Retrieved 2021-11-09.
  4. ^ Ohara, Takashi; Sato, Takahisa; Shimizu, Noboru; Prescher, Günter; Schwind, Helmut; Weiberg, Otto; Marten, Klaus; Greim, Helmut; Shaffer (2020). "Acrylic Acid and Derivatives". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. pp. 1–21. doi:10.1002/14356007.a01_161.pub4. ISBN 978-3527306732.
  5. ^ Methyl 2-cyanoacrylate at Inchem.org
  6. ^ Palm Labs Adhesives Archived 2008-12-08 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ CDC - NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards