Methacrolein(CAS NO:78-85-3)

Properties: A colorless liquid (some sources indicate a pale yellow liquid) with a pungent odor. Melting point: -81°C, boiling point: 68-69°C (varies slightly between sources), density: 0.85 g/mL (20°C). Slightly soluble in water (approximately 6 g/100 mL at 20°C) and freely soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. It contains a methacrolein group (-CH2-CH=CH2) and an aldehyde group (-CHO), possessing the chemical properties of both alkenes and aldehydes. It can participate in addition reactions (such as polymerization) and redox reactions due to the presence of carbon-carbon double bonds and aldehyde groups in the molecule.

Uses: It is an important organic chemical raw material. It is used as a raw material for the production of methacrylic acid, directly used in the synthesis of thermoplastic monomers, and is a key intermediate in the manufacture of polyacrylates (such as ABS plastics). In the coatings industry, methacrolein is used in the production of acrylic coatings, providing excellent weather resistance and gloss. As a precursor of methyl methacrylate (MMA), it is indirectly used in the production of organic glass (PMMA) and PVC modifiers to improve their flexibility and processing properties; it can be used to synthesize alcohols and ester compounds, and as an intermediate for fine chemicals such as textile sizing agents and paint additives.