top of page

How is cyanoacrylate made? 

Cyanoacrylate is a type of fast-acting adhesive that is commonly used in various applications, including in medicine and industry. The process of making cyanoacrylate involves several steps:

  1. The first step is to produce a precursor chemical, called methyl cyanoacetate, by reacting formaldehyde with cyanoacetic acid.

  2. The methyl cyanoacetate is then heated and mixed with a catalyst, such as sodium hydroxide, which triggers a process called polymerization.

  3. During polymerization, the molecules of methyl cyanoacetate react with each other and form long chains, resulting in the creation of the cyanoacrylate monomer.

  4. The cyanoacrylate monomer is then purified to remove any impurities and to achieve the desired level of viscosity, which determines the thickness and flow of the adhesive.

  5. Finally, the cyanoacrylate monomer is packaged into airtight containers, often with a small amount of stabilizer to prevent premature polymerization.

It is important to note that the production of cyanoacrylate should be handled with care, as it is a highly reactive chemical that can be dangerous if not handled properly. Manufacturers of cyanoacrylate typically follow strict safety protocols to ensure that the product is made and packaged safely.

bottom of page