CHAPTER I

BACKGROUND OF VINYL ACETATE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Vinyl acetate or in IUPAC name as ethenyl acetate is an organic compound with have
molecular formula CH3CO2CHCH2. Vinyl acetate is also known as vinyl acetate monomer
(VAM) which it is primarily used as a monomer for production of important polymer in
industry such as polyvinyl acetate and vinyl acetate copolymers. The primary usage for the
vinyl acetate are adhesives, paints and plastics production. It is a clearly colourless liquid as
physically with a pungent odour.

Figure 1.1 Molecular structure of Vinyl Acetate.

Source: Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry

1.2 PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Vinyl acetate is largely used in the production of food packaging films, adhesives, sealents, or
paints. The characteristic of vinyl acetate is a clear, colourless liquid with a sweet odour that
can be detected at relatively low concentrations (odour detection threshold of approximately
0.5 ppm). Table 1.1 shown the physical and chemical properties of vinyl acetate.

Table 1.1 Physical and Chemical Properties of Vinyl Acetate

Properties Properties Values

Molecular formula C4H6O2

Molecular weight 86.09 g/mol
Melting point -93.2°C (-135.8°F)
Boiling point 72.2°C (162°F)
Vapour density 3.0 (air = 1)
Water solubility Soluble in cold water
Flash point -9°C
Vapour pressure 83 mmHg at 250C
Spesific gravity 0.9317 (Water =1)
Flammability Flammable
Corrosivity Non corrosive in the presence of glass,
stainless steel(304), stainless steel (316)
Ignition temperature 425°C
Source : MSDS Sheet
1.3 USAGE OF VINYL ACETATE

Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) is produced to use in industrial such as polyvinyl acetate
polymer. It used to produce a wide variety of useful products. It is a mainly key intermediate
used in the making of a number of polymers and resins for adhesives, coatings, paints, films,
textiles and other end-products.

Adhesives

Vinyl acetate monomer(VAM) is a cost-effective raw material for a wide range of adhesives
product. Polyvinyl acetate emulsions have excellent adhesion to a host of substrates such as
metal, porcelain, wood and paper and have advantages over butadiene-styrene latexes in
being more colour stable and free odour.

Coatings

VAM is used extensively in coating formulations and as a monomer in the production of

copolymers in textile and adhesive resins, as well as surface coatings. It is also widely used in
water-based coatings.

Plastics

VAM is used in the manufacture of plastics. For example, it is co-polymerized with ethylene
to form polymers for use in flexible films, wire and cable insulation and moldings. VAM is
used to form acrylic fibers and is also converted to polyvinyl acetals, which are used for
magnetic wire and inter-layers for safety glass.

Chemical Intermidates

VAM is widely used as molecular building blocks, or intermediates, due to its chemical
structure and useful chemical functionality. It is also used as a monomer or co-monomer for a
variety of polymers.