The base acrylic monomer behind PMMA sheet, coatings, and adhesives. It is used to produce cast acrylic sheet, molding and extrusion compounds, latex paints and coatings, and adhesives and cements.
▸Acrylic plastics: Monomer for PMMA sheet, molding, and extrusion.
▸Coatings: Latex paints, lacquers, and enamel resins.
▸Adhesives: Acrylic adhesives and cements.
▸Copolymers: Comonomer in acrylic copolymer resins.
Physical Properties
Physical Description
Methyl methacrylate monomer appears as a clear colorless liquid. Slightly soluble in water and floats on water. Vapors heavier than air. Vapors irritate the eyes and respiratory system. Containers must be heavily insulated or shipped under refrigeration. An inhibitor such as hydroquinone, hydroquinone methyl ester and dimethyl t-butylphenol is added to keep the chemical from initiating polymerization. The chemical may polymerize exothermically if heated or contaminated with strong acid or base. If the polymerization takes place inside a container, the container may rupture violently. Used to make plastics
Liquid heat capacity: 0.448 BTU/lb-F at 21 °C; Liquid thermal conductivity: 1.023 BTU-in/hr-sq ft-F at 21 °C; Saturated vapor density: 0.01119 lb/cu ft at 21 °C; Ideal gas heat capacity: 0.361 BTU/lb-F at 24 °C
Methyl methacrylate and other short chain alkyl-methacrylate esters are initially hydrolyzed by non-specific carboxylesterases to methacrylic acid and the structurally corresponding alcohol in several tissues. Methacrylic acid and the corresponding alcohol are subsequently cleared predominantly via the liver (valine pathway and the TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle, respectively). The carboxylesterases are a group of non-specific enzymes that are widely distributed throughout the body and are known to show high activity within many tissues and organs, including the liver, blood, GI tract, nasal epithelium and skin... Those organs and tissues that play an important role and/or contribute substantially to the primary metabolism of the short-chain, volatile, alkyl-methacrylate esters are the tissues at the primary point of exposure, namely the nasal epithelia and the skin, and systemically, the liver and blood. /Short chain alkyl-methacrylate esters/
Odor Threshold
Odor Threshold Low: 0.01
Refractive Index
Index of refraction: 1.4142 at 20 °C
Relative Evaporation Rate
3.1 (Butyl acetate = 1)
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.
HS / Tariff Classification
🌐Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2916.14
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.16
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2916.14
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Methyl methacrylate (CAS 80-62-6), the monomer for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) acrylic resins and plastics. It is used to produce cast acrylic sheet, molding and extrusion compounds, latex paints and coatings, and adhesives and cements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is methyl methacrylate used for?
MMA (CAS 80-62-6) is the monomer for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) acrylic resins and plastics. It is used to produce cast acrylic sheet, molding and extrusion compounds, latex paints and coatings, and acrylic adhesives and cements. RawSource supplies MMA monomer in bulk for polymer manufacture.
What is another name for methyl methacrylate?
It is also called MMA, methyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate, or methyl methacrylate monomer (MMM). The CAS number is 80-62-6 and the HS code is 2916.14 (esters of methacrylic acid).
Is methyl methacrylate an ester?
Yes. MMA is the methyl ester of methacrylic acid (C5H8O2), which is why it falls under HS heading 2916.14 for esters of methacrylic acid. It is a reactive monomer that polymerizes to PMMA.
How is methyl methacrylate shipped and stored?
MMA monomer is a flammable liquid, UN 1247, and is supplied inhibited (typically with a stabilizer such as MEHQ) to prevent premature polymerization. RawSource ships it in drums, totes, and bulk with a CoA and SDS per shipment; consult the SDS for storage temperature and handling.
What is the cost of bulk methyl methacrylate?
Bulk MMA pricing depends on volume, inhibitor specification, packaging, and freight. Request a bulk quote from RawSource with your target quantity and delivery location for current pricing and lead time.
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.
