What is the Difference Between Methacrylic Acid and Acrylic Acid?

Methacrylic acid and acrylic acid are both carboxylic acids and unsaturated monomers used in the production of various polymers. The key difference between them lies in their chemical structure and properties.

Chemical Structure:

• Methacrylic acid has a methyl group attached to the alkene group in its molecular structure.
• Acrylic acid does not have any other groups attached to its alkene group.

Physical Properties:

• Methacrylic acid is a colorless, viscous liquid with a boiling point of 161°C (322°F) and a molecular weight of 86.06 g/mol.
• Acrylic acid has a boiling point of 141°C (286°F) and a molecular weight of 72.06 g/mol.

Reactivity:

• Methacrylic acid is generally considered less reactive than acrylic acid.
• The macroradical from acrylic acid is more reactive than that from methacrylic acid, which may affect the formation of graft copolymers.

Both acrylic and methacrylic acid derivatives, such as salts, esters, and conjugate bases, are used in various applications, including polymer production, coatings, adhesives, and sealants. The choice between using methacrylic or acrylic acid in a specific application depends on the desired properties and attributes of the final product.

Comparative Table: Methacrylic Acid vs Acrylic Acid

Here is a table comparing the differences between methacrylic acid and acrylic acid:

Methacrylic acid has a methyl group attached to the alkene group, while acrylic acid has no other groups attached to the alkene group. Both acrylic acid and methacrylic acid are used in the production of various polymers and have different applications.