title: Ethyl methacrylate
text: # 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.
  
  