What is the Difference Between Acrylate and Methacrylate?

Acrylate and methacrylate are both derivatives of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, respectively, and are used as monomers in polymer production. The key difference between them lies in their chemical structure and reactivity:

• Acrylate: Derived from acrylic acid, acrylates have a vinyl group connected to a carbonyl carbon on one side and a hydrogen atom on the other side. One common example is methyl acrylate.
• Methacrylate: Derived from methacrylic acid, methacrylates have a vinyl group connected to a carbonyl carbon on one side and a methyl group on the other side. The methyl group makes the alpha carbon electron-poorer than the beta carbon, which can affect the reactivity of the monomer.

Previously, it was mentioned that in radical polymerization, an acrylate forms secondary radicals as the propagating end group, while a methacrylate forms tertiary radicals, which are more stable than secondary radicals. The stability of the tertiary radical is thought to lower the reactivity of the propagating end for further polymerization.

In summary, the main difference between acrylate and methacrylate lies in their chemical structure and reactivity during polymerization. Acrylates are derived from acrylic acid and have a vinyl group connected to a carbonyl carbon with a hydrogen atom, while methacrylates are derived from methacrylic acid and have a vinyl group connected to a carbonyl carbon with a methyl group.

Comparative Table: Acrylate vs Methacrylate

Here is a table comparing the differences between acrylate and methacrylate:

Acrylates are derivatives of acrylic acid, while methacrylates are derivatives of methacrylic acid. Both acrylate and methacrylate compounds are important as monomers for polymer production. In addition to that, methacrylates are also used in windscreen repair kits, dental substances, and as bone cement for fixing prosthetic devices in orthopedic surgery.