Vinyl acetate

CAS: 108-05-4

Overview

Vinyl acetate (CAS 108-05-4 ), commercially known as VAM or vinyl acetate monomer, is a reactive liquid monomer used as the primary building block for a range of polymer systems.

It undergoes polymerization to produce polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and serves as a co-monomer in ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) production processes.

In adhesives and packaging, VAM polymerizes into PVAc emulsions used in wood glues, paper laminates, and flexible packaging coatings for various industrial applications.

Textile and nonwoven manufacturers use EVA copolymers derived from VAM for binder systems and fabric finishing treatments to enhance material durability and performance.

In the plastics sector, VAM co-polymerizes with ethylene to produce EVA resins used in foam compounds, hot-melt adhesives, and flexible film extrusion for global markets.

At flavor-grade purity, vinyl acetate also functions as a synthetic flavoring intermediate in food and fragrance applications, meeting specific industry requirements for safety.

Vinyl acetate is supplied as a stabilized liquid monomer, typically inhibited with hydroquinone to prevent premature polymerization during storage and transport phases.

It is available in technical and monomer grades, with high-purity specifications meeting requirements for polymer-grade and flavor applications in bulk tankers or drums.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	-93.2 °C
Boiling Point	72.7 °C
Density	0.932 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point	20 °F
Appearance	Vinyl acetate is a colorless, flammable liquid. The odor threshold is 0.12 ppm 0.3 ppm (NY, NJ).
Color	Clear colorless to almost colorless
Odor	char. odor
Form	Liquid
Water Solubility	23 g/L (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure	88 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index	n 20/D 1.395(lit.)
pH	7 (20g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P	0.73 at 20℃

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS02 GHS07 GHS08 Hazard Statements H225 Highly Flammable liquid and vapor H303 May be harmful if swallowed H313 May be harmful in contact with skin H315 Causes skin irritation H316 Causes mild skin irritation H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction H319 Causes serious eye irritation H332 Harmful if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation H336 May cause drowsiness or dizziness H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects H350 May cause cancer H351 Suspected of causing cancer H373 May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H401 Toxic to aquatic life H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use. P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P233 Keep container tightly closed. P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment. P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment. P242 Use non-sparking tools. P243 Take action to prevent static discharges. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P333+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P370+P378 Use … for extinction. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code	29153200
UN Number	1301
ADR Class	3
Packing Group	II
Storage Class	3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany)	2

Other Names

Industries

Printing & Packaging Textile, Leather & Paper Plastics & Polymers Food & Nutrition