Ethyl methacrylate

CAS: 97-63-2

Overview

Ethyl methacrylate (CAS 97-63-2 ), commonly abbreviated as EMA, is a reactive methacrylate monomer used as a building block in polymer synthesis and as a flavoring agent in food applications.

It functions as a polymerizable unit in acrylic and methacrylic resin systems, and at trace levels contributes fruity, rum-like flavor notes to food and beverage formulations.

In polymer manufacturing, EMA is incorporated into acrylic emulsions, copolymers, and thermoplastic resins to modify flexibility, adhesion, and film-forming characteristics in coatings and sealants.

Its reactivity profile makes it suitable for cross-linking and curing systems where controlled glass transition temperature is a formulation target for industrial applications.

In plastics compounding, it serves as a comonomer to improve impact resistance and processing behavior in specialty polymer blends and various high-performance materials.

At food-grade purity, EMA is used by flavor houses as a character-impact compound in artificial fruit and dairy flavor compositions to enhance specific aromatic profiles.

Ethyl methacrylate is supplied as a stabilized liquid, typically inhibited with hydroquinone monomethyl ether to prevent premature polymerization during storage and transport.

Technical and polymer grades are the most common commercial forms, with purity levels typically at 99% or higher, meeting rigorous industrial and chemical manufacturing requirements.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	>-75 °C
Boiling Point	117 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density	0.9135 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point	60 °F
Appearance	colourless liquid with an unpleasant odour
Color	Clear colorless
Odor	Acrid acrylic.
Form	Liquid
Water Solubility	4 g/L (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure	15 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index	n 20/D 1.413(lit.)
Log P	1.940

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS02 GHS07 Hazard Statements H225 Highly Flammable liquid and vapor H315 Causes skin irritation H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction H319 Causes serious eye irritation H332 Harmful if inhaled H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements 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. 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. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. 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. 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	29161490
UN Number	2277
ADR Class	3
Packing Group	II
Storage Class	3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany)	1

Other Names

Industries

Food & Nutrition Plastics & Polymers