Butyl methacrylate

n-Butyl methacrylate is a colorless liquid with a pungent, unpleasant odor. It dissolves well in many organic solvents (acetone, ether, benzene, etc.), poorly soluble in water. The chemical properties of n-butyl methacrylate are due to the presence of two key functions in the molecule - an ester group and a double bond. It is easily saponified in the presence of alkalis, and can also be transesterified under acidic conditions and in the presence of alcohols. It easily polymerizes both under free-radical and ionic polymerization, both independently, in the presence of other monomers, forming, respectively, either a homopolymer or copolymers. When stored in the light and air, it can spontaneously polymerize. Therefore, commercial n-butyl methacrylate is stabilized with hydroquinone methyl ester.

Application

— as a monomer for the production of polybutyl methacrylates and various copolymers;

— used in the preparation of adhesives, compositions for dentistry (including photopolymer), additives to lubricating oils, etc.