WinChemicals Inc.

CHEMICALS WITHOUT BORDERS

Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM)

Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) is a colourless mobile liquid with a pungent odour. It is a key raw material in the production of chemicals which are then used to manufacture a wide variety of consumer and industrial products.

Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) is frequently used as a co-monomer with acrylic monomers.  This covers Vinyl Acetate Emulsion (VAE), Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH) resins, Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH), Polyvinyl Acetate (PVAc) paper coatings etc.  

CAS Number:  108-05-4
Chemical Name: Vinyl Acetate
Other Names: VAM
Chemical Formula: C₄H₆O₂
Molecular Weight: 86.09 g/mol
Structural Formula: CH₂=CHO(C=O)CH₃ (an ester of acetic acid and vinyl alcohol)
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
Odor: Sweet, fruity odor
Solubility: Miscible with alcohols, ethers, esters, and most organic solvents
Solubility in Water: Slightly soluble (~2.5 g/100 mL)
Boiling Point: 72.7 °C
Melting Point: -93.2 °C
Density: 0.933 g/cm³
Flash Point: -8 °C (closed cup)
Vapor Pressure @ 20°C: 90 mmHg

Application:

  • Major Industrial Uses
    • Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) Production
      Used in adhesives, paints, sealants, and coatings
    • Vinyl Acetate Copolymers (EVA, VAE, etc.)
      Used in emulsions, sealants, packaging films, foams, textiles, etc.
    • Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH/PVA)
      water-soluble polymer used in textile sizing, paper coatings, adhesives, cosmetics
    • Construction Chemicals
    • For waterproofing compounds, wall putties, and concrete modifiers
  • Other Applications
    Intermediate for synthesis of:
    • Coating resins
    • Redispersible powders
    • Inks and varnishes
    • Textile finishes
    • Paper saturants

Application in areas:

  • Acrylic Fibers
  • Adhesive
  • Chewing Gum Base
  • Coatings
  • Emulsion polymers
  • Intermediates Used in Paints
  • Polyethylene Compounds
  • Packaging
  • Resins
  • Textiles
  • Wire and Cable

Safety & Handling:

  • Hazard:
    • Flammable liquid and vapor
    • Harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin
    • May cause respiratory tract irritation
    • Suspected carcinogen (IARC Group 2B)
  • Storage:
    • Store in cool, well-ventilated area, away from heat, sparks, or open flames
    • Inhibitor (e.g., hydroquinone) often added to prevent polymerization during storage

PPE Requirements:

  • Gloves, goggles, flame-resistant lab coat, and proper ventilation/respirator in enclosed spaces

Storage Guidelines:

  • Store in cool, well-ventilated area, away from heat, sparks, or open flames
  • Inhibitor (e.g., hydroquinone) often added to prevent polymerization during storage

Regulatory & Compliance:

  • UN Number: 1301
  • Hazard Class: 3 (Flammable liquid)
  • Packing Group: III
  • TSCA, REACH: Listed
  • IARC: Group 2B – Possibly carcinogenic to humans
  • VOC content: Regulated in many countries

Packaging Available:

  • Steel drums (200 kg), IBC totes (1000 kg), or bulk iso tanks
  • Stabilized with inhibitors (usually 5–10 ppm hydroquinone or MEHQ