Acetates & Esters, High-Purity Solvents

Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM)

Vinyl Acetate Monomer, identified by CAS number 108-05-4, is a clear, colorless, and highly flammable liquid with a distinctively pungent, fruity odor. This versatile organic compound serves as a critical building block in the global petrochemical industry, primarily synthesized via the vapor-phase reaction of ethylene and acetic acid with oxygen over a palladium catalyst. As an ester of vinyl alcohol, VAM exhibits significant reactivity due to its carbon-carbon double bond, which facilitates rapid polymerization and copolymerization processes. It is characterized by its moderate solubility in water and high solubility in most organic solvents. Its chemical stability is typically maintained through the addition of inhibitors like hydroquinone to prevent spontaneous polymerization during storage and transport. VAM is fundamental in producing various polymers and resins that provide essential adhesive, coating, and film-forming properties. Understanding its vapor pressure and flash point is crucial for safe handling in industrial environments and large-scale manufacturing applications.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

High Chemical Reactivity: The vinyl group enables rapid polymerization into homopolymers like Polyvinyl Acetate or various specialized copolymers.
Strong Adhesive Properties: Enhances the bonding strength of formulations, making it ideal for wood, paper, and packaging adhesives.
Versatile Solubility Profile: Highly miscible with common organic solvents including ethanol, acetone, and benzene, facilitating diverse formulation options.
Optical Clarity: Produces polymers with excellent transparency and light stability, which are essential for high-quality films and coatings.
Effective Film-Forming Ability: Provides superior flexibility and durability in surface coatings, ensuring long-lasting protection and aesthetic finish.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Molecular Formula and Weight: C4H6O2 with a molar mass of 86.09 g/mol, characterized by its unsaturated ester functionality.
Boiling and Flash Points: Features a boiling point of 72.7 degrees Celsius and a low flash point of -8 degrees Celsius.
Density and Viscosity: Exhibits a specific gravity of 0.934 at 20 degrees Celsius and a dynamic viscosity of 0.43 cP.
Vapor Pressure: Significant volatility with a vapor pressure of approximately 88 mmHg at 20 degrees Celsius, requiring pressurized storage.
Purity and Inhibitors: Typically supplied at 99.9 percent purity, stabilized with 3 to 20 ppm hydroquinone to prevent premature polymerization.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) Production: Primary feedstock for wood glues, white adhesives, and paper coatings used extensively in construction.
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH) Synthesis: Essential intermediate for water-soluble films, textile sizing agents, and sophisticated polarized film technologies.
Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Copolymers: Used in manufacturing flexible foams, athletic shoe soles, hot-melt adhesives, and solar cell encapsulants.
Acrylic Fiber Modification: Acts as a secondary monomer to improve the dyeability and processing characteristics of synthetic acrylic fibers.
Surface Coatings and Paints: Utilized in the formulation of emulsion paints and architectural coatings for improved weather resistance.