Organic chemistry
Since the invention of the first synthetic polymer product, bakelite, synthetic polymer products have frequently been invented.
Poly(methacrylic acid)
Poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) is a polymer made from methacrylic acid. It is often available as its sodium salt, poly(methacrylic acid) sodium salt. preferred IUPAC name 2-Methylprop-2-enoic acid), which is a carboxylic acid. It is a viscous liquid with a pungent odour. The first polymeric form of methacrylic acid was described in 1880 by Engelhorn and Fittig. The use of high purity monomers is required for proper polymerization conditions and therefore it is necessary to remove any inhibitors by extraction (phenolic inhibitors) or via distillation. To prevent inhibition by dissolved oxygen, monomers should be carefully degassed prior to the start of the polymerization.