n-Butyl methacrylate (n-BMA) is a hydrophobic, monofunctional methacrylate monomer used in acrylic polymer and copolymer synthesis. The n-butyl ester group provides hydrocarbon character, while the methacrylate functionality supports free-radical polymerization.
Poly(n-butyl methacrylate) has a glass transition temperature of approximately 20°C. n-BMA is therefore useful in polymer research and formulation work requiring a hydrophobic acrylic component with a moderate homopolymer Tg. It may be used in acrylic resins, coatings, sealants, and pressure-sensitive adhesive formulations.
Synonyms: Methacrylic acid n-butyl ester; methacrylic acid butyl ester; butyl methacrylate; n-BMA.
Key Properties
- Hydrophobic, monofunctional methacrylate monomer
- Chemical purity: ≥98.5%
- CAS number: 97-88-1
- Molecular formula: C8H14O2
- Linear formula: H3C(CH2)3OCOC(CH3)=CH2
- Molecular weight: 142.2 g/mol
- Appearance: colorless liquid
- Boiling point: approximately 162°C
- Refractive index: 1.421–1.425
- Density: 0.89 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Inhibited with approximately 10 ppm MEHQ
- Poly(n-butyl methacrylate) homopolymer Tg: approximately 20°C
- Polysciences catalog number: 02059
Applications
Acrylic Polymer Synthesis
n-BMA is used as a hydrocarbon-building-block monomer in the synthesis of acrylic homopolymers and copolymers. It can be polymerized with compatible acrylic, methacrylic, and other vinyl monomers to adjust the composition and properties of the resulting polymer.
Copolymer Tg & Hydrophobicity Adjustment
Incorporating n-BMA into a copolymer can introduce hydrophobic n-butyl ester functionality and adjust glass transition behavior. Final Tg depends on comonomer selection, composition, molecular weight, polymer architecture, and processing history.
Coatings & Sealant Formulation
n-Butyl methacrylate may be used in acrylic binder and resin development for coatings and sealants. Formulators can vary the n-BMA concentration to study its effects on film formation, hydrophobicity, flexibility, and thermal behavior.
Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive Research
n-BMA is used as a comonomer in acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive research. Monomer ratio, molecular weight, crosslinking, and formulation additives should be optimized for the required adhesive and mechanical properties.
Polymerization & Formulation Considerations
- The monomer contains approximately 10 ppm MEHQ inhibitor
- Account for inhibitor concentration when selecting initiator level and polymerization conditions
- Control reaction temperature and heat removal because free-radical polymerization is exothermic
- Evaluate conversion, residual monomer, molecular weight, and molecular-weight distribution
- Distinguish the approximately 20°C homopolymer Tg from the Tg of a formulated copolymer
- Confirm compatibility with comonomers, initiators, solvents, chain-transfer agents, and additives
- Do not substitute n-butyl acrylate or another butyl methacrylate isomer without reformulation and testing
Polymer performance depends on the complete composition and polymerization method rather than n-BMA concentration alone. Comonomer ratio, initiator system, reaction temperature, conversion, molecular weight, crosslink density, and processing conditions can affect the final material.
Application Tips
- Allow the closed container to approach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation
- Use clean, dry glassware and equipment compatible with methacrylate monomers
- Account for the MEHQ inhibitor when designing polymerization experiments
- Use small-scale reactions when establishing initiator concentration and temperature profiles
- Monitor reaction temperature and provide adequate heat removal during scale-up
- Protect working quantities from contamination and unintended heat or light exposure
- Do not return unused or contaminated monomer to the original container
Handling & Storage
- Store at 4°C in a well-ventilated location
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use
- Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, flames, and other ignition sources
- Use grounded or bonded equipment where required during liquid transfer
- Use non-sparking tools and equipment appropriate for flammable liquids
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing
- Avoid breathing vapors and prevent contact with the skin and eyes
- Prevent release to drains and the environment
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FAQ
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1. What is n-butyl methacrylate used for?
n-Butyl methacrylate is used in acrylic homopolymer and copolymer synthesis. Common formulation areas include acrylic resins, coatings, sealants, and pressure-sensitive adhesive research.
2. What is the glass transition temperature of poly(n-butyl methacrylate)?
Poly(n-butyl methacrylate) has a homopolymer glass transition temperature of approximately 20°C. A copolymer containing n-BMA may have a different Tg depending on its composition, molecular weight, architecture, and processing history.
3. Is n-butyl methacrylate the same as n-butyl acrylate?
No. n-Butyl methacrylate contains a methyl substituent on the polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond, while n-butyl acrylate does not. The two monomers produce polymers with different thermal and mechanical properties and should not be substituted without reformulation.
4. Is n-butyl methacrylate the same as isobutyl or tert-butyl methacrylate?
No. n-Butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, and tert-butyl methacrylate contain different butyl-group structures. These structural differences affect homopolymer Tg, hydrophobicity, steric behavior, and polymer performance.
5. Does n-butyl methacrylate contain an inhibitor?
Yes. The monomer contains approximately 10 ppm monomethyl ether hydroquinone (MEHQ). Account for the inhibitor when selecting initiator concentration and polymerization conditions.
6. Is this poly(n-butyl methacrylate)?
No. This material is the n-butyl methacrylate monomer used to synthesize poly(n-butyl methacrylate) and related copolymers.
7. What package sizes are available?
n-Butyl methacrylate is available in 250 g and 500 g sizes. For larger quantities, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
n-Butyl methacrylate is a flammable liquid and vapor. It causes skin and serious eye irritation, may cause an allergic skin reaction, and may irritate the respiratory tract. Use adequate ventilation, wear protective gloves and eye protection, and keep the material away from ignition sources. Avoid release to the environment. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet, product specification, and lot-specific Certificate of Analysis for complete handling, storage, transportation, disposal, and quality information.
