Ethyl acrylate is a derivative ester of the acrylic acid and ethyl alcohol. Under normal conditions it is a colorless, moving, volatile liquid with a strong specific acrid odor. It easily polymerizes. Ethyl acrylate is qualified as a flammable liquid with a median ignition temperature. Under normal conditions, ethyl acrylate spontaneously polymerizes and decomposes. In elevated temperatures, it polymerizes explosively. It comes into a violent reaction with oxidants.

Method of obtaining
Ethyl acrylate is obtained on an industrial scale from ethylene cyanhydrin and ethyl alcohol (in the presence of the sulphuric acid) or from the mixture of acethylene, nickel tetracarbonyl and ethyl alcohol, in the presence of hydrogen chloride.

Application 
It is used as a monomer to obtain various kinds of polymers. It is used to produce plastics, paints and varnishes, and in numerous organic syntheses.

Storage and transport
Store in original, appropriately marked packaging in the storeroom of flammable and hazardous liquids equipped with an anti-explosive ventilation and electrical system, on a hard ground, in fairly low temperature. Do not fill the packaging to more than 90% of its volume. In the storeroom, do not smoke or eat meals, do not use open fire or spark-producing tools. The storage rules are defined in the PN-89/C-81400 standard. UN number 1917. RID/ADR/IMO class: 3