What is sodium methacrylate sulfonate?

What is sodium methacrylate sulfonate?

Sodium Methylallyl Sulfonate (SMAS) is an organic sulfonate compound with the chemical formula CH₂=C(CH₃)CH₂SO₃Na, belonging to the class of olefin sulfonates. Below is a detailed introduction to this substance:


1. Basic Properties

  • Chemical Name: Sodium Methylallyl Sulfonate (or Sodium 2-methyl-2-propene-1-sulfonate)
  • CAS No.: 1561-92-8
  • Molecular Weight: 158.15 g/mol
  • Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
  • Solubility:
    • Highly soluble in water
    • Slightly soluble in ethanol and DMSO
    • Insoluble in most organic solvents (e.g., benzene, ether)
  • Stability:
    • Stable at room temperature but may decompose at high temperatures (>250°C), releasing gases such as SO₂ and CO.
    • Exhibits strong hydrophilicity and anionic surface activity.

2. Main Applications

(1) Polymer Synthesis (Third Monomer for Acrylonitrile Copolymerization)

  • Used as a third monomer in polyacrylonitrile (PAN, acrylic fiber) production to improve dyeability, heat resistance, and flexibility of the fibers.
  • Applied in water-based acrylic resins and emulsion polymerization to enhance water solubility and stability.

(2) Concrete Additives

  • Serves as an intermediate for polycarboxylate superplasticizers (PCEs), used in high-performance concrete to improve fluidity and strength.

(3) Other Industrial Uses

  • Paper Industry: Acts as a dry-strength agent.
  • Water Treatment: Functions as a scale inhibitor or dispersant.
  • Textile Auxiliaries: Enhances dyeing and antistatic properties of fibers.

3. Safety & Storage

  • Toxicity: Low toxicity but may cause mild irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.
  • Protective Measures: Wear gloves, goggles, and dust masks when handling.
  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container, away from oxidizers.

4. Synthesis Method

Industrially, it is typically produced by the reaction of methylallyl alcohol with a sulfonating agent (e.g., NaHSO₃):CH2=C(CH3)CH2OH+NaHSO3→CH2=C(CH3)CH2SO3Na+H2OCH2​=C(CH3​)CH2​OH+NaHSO3​→CH2​=C(CH3​)CH2​SO3​Na+H2​O


5. Related Compounds

  • Analogues:
    • Sodium Allyl Sulfonate (SAS)
    • Sodium Styrene Sulfonate (SSS)
  • Difference: Due to the presence of a methyl group (-CH₃), SMAS has greater steric hindrance, which may affect polymerization reactivity.

If more specific application examples or technical parameters are needed, feel free to ask!