Ethyl methacrylate
# Ethyl methacrylate

Ethyl methacrylate is the organic compound with the formula $C_2H_5O_2CC(CH_3)=CH_2.$ A colorless liquid, it is a common monomer for the preparation of acrylate polymers. It is typically polymerized under free-radical conditions.

Ethyl methacrylate was first obtained by treating 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid with phosphorus pentachloride in an apparent dehydration reaction.

## Environmental issues and health hazards

The acute toxicity of the related butyl methacrylate is the LD50 is 20 g/kg (oral, rat). Acrylate esters irritate the eyes and can cause blindness.

