Methyl cyanoacrylate (MCA; also sometimes referred to as α-cyanoacrylateoralpha-cyanoacrylate)[3] is an organic compound that contains several functional groups: a methyl ester, a nitrile, and an alkene. It is a colorless liquid with low viscosity. Its chief use is as the main component of cyanoacrylate glues.[4][5] It can be encountered under many trade names. Methyl cyanoacrylate is less commonly encountered than ethyl cyanoacrylate.
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| Names | |
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| Preferred IUPAC name
Methyl 2-cyanoprop-2-enoate | |
| Other names
Methyl 2-cyanopropenoate | |
| Identifiers | |
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3D model (JSmol) |
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| ChemSpider |
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| ECHA InfoCard | 100.004.796 
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PubChem CID |
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| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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| Properties | |
| C5H5NO2 | |
| Molar mass | 111.100 g·mol−1 |
| Density | 1.1 |
| Melting point | −40 °C (−40 °F; 233 K) |
| Boiling point | 48 to 49 °C (118 to 120 °F; 321 to 322 K) (2.5–2.7 mmHg) |
| 30% (20 °C)[2] | |
| Vapor pressure | 0.2 mmHg (25 °C)[2] |
| Hazards | |
| Flash point | 79 °C; 174 °F; 352 K[2] |
| NIOSH (US health exposure limits): | |
PEL (Permissible) |
None[2] |
REL (Recommended) |
TWA 2 ppm (8 mg/m3) ST 4 ppm (16 mg/m3)[2] |
IDLH (Immediate danger) |
N.D.[2] |
| Related compounds | |
Related |
Ethyl cyanoacrylate Butyl cyanoacrylate Octyl cyanoacrylate |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
It is soluble in acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, nitromethane, and dichloromethane.[6] MCA polymerizes rapidly in presence of moisture.
Heating the polymer causes depolymerization of the cured MCA, producing gaseous products which are a strong irritant to the lungs and eyes. With regard to occupational exposure to MCA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends workers do not exceed exposures over 2 ppm (8 mg/m3) over an eight-hour workshift, or over 4 ppm (16 mg/m3) over a short-term exposure.[7]
