A workhorse vinyl monomer feeding emulsion polymers, EVA copolymers, and polyvinyl alcohol production. It is consumed at scale to make adhesive and paint emulsions, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, and acrylic fiber, and is used in safety-glass interlayer films.
▸Emulsion polymers: Monomer for polyvinyl acetate adhesive and paint/coating emulsions.
▸Polyvinyl alcohol: Feedstock for PVOH via polymerization and hydrolysis.
▸EVA copolymers: Comonomer with ethylene for ethylene-vinyl acetate resins.
▸Acrylic fiber: Comonomer in acrylic fiber production.
▸Safety glass: Chemistry for laminated-glass interlayer films.
Physical Properties
Physical Description
Vinyl acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid. Flash point -8 °C. Density 7.8 lb / gal. Slightly soluble in water. Vapors are heavier than air. Vapors irritate the eyes and respiratory system. May polymerize if heated or contaminated. If polymerization occurs inside a container, the container may violently rupture. Used to make adhesives, paints, and plastics
Appearance
COLORLESS, MOBILE LIQUID
Odor
An initially pleasant odor which quickly becomes sharp and irritating... Not unpleasant, sweetish smell in small quantities
Boiling Point
162 to 73 °C at 760 mmHg
Melting Point
-93 °C
Flash Point
-8 °C, -8 °C (CLOSED CUP)
Solubility
At 20 °C, a saturated solution of vinyl acetate in water contains 2.0-2.4 wt % vinyl acetate, whereas a saturated solution of water in vinyl acetate contains 0.9-1.0 wt % water; at 50 °C, the solubility of vinyl acetate in water is 0.1 wt % more than at 20 °C, but the solubility of water in vinyl acetate doubles to about 2 wt %
Density
0.932 at 20 °C
Vapor Pressure
83 to 140 mmHg at 68 to 30 °C
LogP
log Kow = 0.73
Autoignition Temperature
402 °C
Viscosity
0.43 cPs at 20 °C
Heat Of Combustion
-9754 BTU/lb = -5419 cal/g = -226.9X10+5 J/kg
Heat of Vaporization
163 BTU/lb = 90.6 cal/g = 3.79X10+5 J/kg
Surface Tension
23.95 DYNES/CM= 0.02395 N/M @ 20 °C
Ionization Potential
9.19 eV
Polymerization
it may undergo spontaneous exothermic polymerization. Reaction with air or water to form peroxides that catalyze an exothermic polymerization reaction has caused several large industrial explosions...Solution polymerization of the acetate disolved in toluene has resulted in large industrial explosions. Polymerization reaction with dibenzoyl peroxide + ethyl acetate may react release ignitable and explosive vapor
Odor Threshold
50% recognition threshold /the concn at which 50% of the odor panel defined the odor as being representive of the odorant being studied/: 0.40 ppm; 100% recognition threshold: 0.55 ppm
Refractive Index
Index of refraction: 1.3926 at 25 °C
Relative Evaporation Rate
8.9 (n-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
2915.32
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.15
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2915.32
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Vinyl acetate (CAS 108-05-4) is the reactive monomer behind polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). It is consumed at scale to make adhesive and paint emulsions, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, and acrylic fiber, and is used in safety-glass interlayer films. Supplied as a bulk monomer for downstream polymerization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is vinyl acetate used for?
Vinyl acetate (VAM, CAS 108-05-4) is the reactive monomer for polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). It is consumed at scale to make adhesive and paint/coating emulsions, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers, acrylic fiber, and safety-glass interlayer films. We supply it as a bulk monomer for downstream polymerization.
What is another name for vinyl acetate?
Vinyl acetate is commonly abbreviated VAM (vinyl acetate monomer) and is also known as ethenyl acetate or acetic acid ethenyl ester. Its formula is C4H6O2 (CAS 108-05-4).
Is vinyl acetate an ester?
Yes. Vinyl acetate is the vinyl ester of acetic acid (HS 2915.32, esters of acetic acid). Its reactive vinyl group is what enables polymerization into PVAc and copolymers.
How does vinyl acetate ship for DOT and what is its UN number?
Vinyl acetate is assigned UN 1301 (VINYL ACETATE, STABILIZED). It is supplied stabilized with inhibitor and shipped per applicable hazmat regulations; the SDS provides full classification, handling, and storage requirements. Request the SDS before ordering.
How is bulk vinyl acetate monomer packaged?
VAM ships in drums, totes, and bulk volumes (inhibited/stabilized) for polymer manufacturers. Packaging, MOQ, and pricing are quoted per order; submit a bulk RFQ with your target quantity.
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.
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