Methyl CyanoacrylateMethyl CyanoacrylateSuperglueSuperglue

By: Nicole LeBlancBy: Nicole LeBlanc

Is the molecule naturally occurring? Is it Is the molecule naturally occurring? Is it synthesized? Where does it come from?synthesized? Where does it come from?

It is not naturally occurring.It is not naturally occurring. It can be synthesized or made form organic It can be synthesized or made form organic

resins.resins. CA’s (cyanoacrylate adhesives) are produced CA’s (cyanoacrylate adhesives) are produced

in heated kettles. Initial ingredient is ethyl in heated kettles. Initial ingredient is ethyl cyanocetate, placed into a glass-lined kettle cyanocetate, placed into a glass-lined kettle with revolving mixing blades, this material is with revolving mixing blades, this material is then mixed with formaldehyde. The mixing then mixed with formaldehyde. The mixing triggers condensation, a chemical reaction triggers condensation, a chemical reaction that produces water. The water is then that produces water. The water is then evaporated as the kettle is heated.evaporated as the kettle is heated.

What are the direct and indirect uses of What are the direct and indirect uses of this product?this product?

This product is used to form a surface This product is used to form a surface attachment between discrete materials.attachment between discrete materials.

Superglue forms the strongest bonds Superglue forms the strongest bonds and clean breaks of non-porous and clean breaks of non-porous materials, such as plastic, rubber, and materials, such as plastic, rubber, and metal. Once exposed to the air, it bonds metal. Once exposed to the air, it bonds instantly and sets in seconds. instantly and sets in seconds. Cyanocrylates are mainly used as Cyanocrylates are mainly used as adhesives.adhesives.

How has the synthesis of this molecule How has the synthesis of this molecule changed its uses/cost?changed its uses/cost?

Superglue began selling as a Superglue began selling as a commercial product in 1958.commercial product in 1958.

Different sizes of tubes cost Different sizes of tubes cost different prices. Range from different prices. Range from $1.00 – $10.00 or higher. The $1.00 – $10.00 or higher. The bigger the tube the higher the bigger the tube the higher the price.price.

When was it discovered? How was it When was it discovered? How was it discovered?discovered?

This product was first discovered in 1949 and This product was first discovered in 1949 and invented in 1951 by Dr. Harry Coover.invented in 1951 by Dr. Harry Coover.

Coover was working for Kodak laboratories, he Coover was working for Kodak laboratories, he was working with cyanoacrylates that seemed was working with cyanoacrylates that seemed to be stuck to everything they touched! Coover to be stuck to everything they touched! Coover failed to see their potential as adhesive until failed to see their potential as adhesive until 1951. one of his research students made ethyl 1951. one of his research students made ethyl cyanoacrylate, the main constituent of cyanoacrylate, the main constituent of superglue. On measuring the refractive index superglue. On measuring the refractive index to determine the purity of his sample, he found to determine the purity of his sample, he found that he couldn’t separate the two prisms. that he couldn’t separate the two prisms. Something no one has ever seen before.Something no one has ever seen before.

Direct and indirect risks of using Direct and indirect risks of using this product:this product:

FlammableFlammable ToxicityToxicity Reacts with cotton, which can cause Reacts with cotton, which can cause

serious burnsserious burns Heating the polymer produces gaseous Heating the polymer produces gaseous

products strongly irritant to lungs and products strongly irritant to lungs and eyeseyes

Recommended workers do not exceed Recommended workers do not exceed exposures over 2ppm (8mg/m3) over exposures over 2ppm (8mg/m3) over an eight-hour shift. Fumes can irritate an eight-hour shift. Fumes can irritate the eyes, nose and throat.the eyes, nose and throat.

Direct and indirect benefits from Direct and indirect benefits from this product:this product:

Easy to produceEasy to produce Very stickyVery sticky Holds objects togetherHolds objects together

Alternatives that could be used that Alternatives that could be used that may lesson the risks/safety may lesson the risks/safety precautions:precautions:

Wear gloves while using productWear gloves while using product Read application instructions Read application instructions

beforehandbeforehand Close lid tightly after useClose lid tightly after use Avoid cotton and woolAvoid cotton and wool Choose a well ventilated work Choose a well ventilated work

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