1. Methyl Cyanoacrylate Superglue By: Nicole LeBlanc

2. Is the molecule naturally occurring? Is it synthesized? Where does it come from? It is not naturally occurring. It is not naturally occurring. It can be synthesized or made form organic resins. It can be synthesized or made form organic resins. CA’s (cyanoacrylate adhesives) are produced in heated kettles. Initial ingredient is ethyl cyanocetate, placed into a glass-lined kettle with revolving mixing blades, this material is then mixed with formaldehyde. The mixing triggers condensation, a chemical reaction that produces water. The water is then evaporated as the kettle is heated. CA’s (cyanoacrylate adhesives) are produced in heated kettles. Initial ingredient is ethyl cyanocetate, placed into a glass-lined kettle with revolving mixing blades, this material is then mixed with formaldehyde. The mixing triggers condensation, a chemical reaction that produces water. The water is then evaporated as the kettle is heated.

3. What are the direct and indirect uses of this product? This product is used to form a surface attachment between discrete materials. This product is used to form a surface attachment between discrete materials. Superglue forms the strongest bonds and clean breaks of non-porous materials, such as plastic, rubber, and metal. Once exposed to the air, it bonds instantly and sets in seconds. Cyanocrylates are mainly used as adhesives. Superglue forms the strongest bonds and clean breaks of non-porous materials, such as plastic, rubber, and metal. Once exposed to the air, it bonds instantly and sets in seconds. Cyanocrylates are mainly used as adhesives.

4. How has the synthesis of this molecule changed its uses/cost? Superglue began selling as a commercial product in 1958. Superglue began selling as a commercial product in 1958. Different sizes of tubes cost different prices. Range from $1.00 – $10.00 or higher. The bigger the tube the higher the price. Different sizes of tubes cost different prices. Range from $1.00 – $10.00 or higher. The bigger the tube the higher the price.

5. When was it discovered? How was it discovered? This product was first discovered in 1949 and invented in 1951 by Dr. Harry Coover. This product was first discovered in 1949 and invented in 1951 by Dr. Harry Coover. Coover was working for Kodak laboratories, he was working with cyanoacrylates that seemed to be stuck to everything they touched! Coover failed to see their potential as adhesive until 1951. one of his research students made ethyl cyanoacrylate, the main constituent of superglue. On measuring the refractive index to determine the purity of his sample, he found that he couldn’t separate the two prisms. Something no one has ever seen before. Coover was working for Kodak laboratories, he was working with cyanoacrylates that seemed to be stuck to everything they touched! Coover failed to see their potential as adhesive until 1951. one of his research students made ethyl cyanoacrylate, the main constituent of superglue. On measuring the refractive index to determine the purity of his sample, he found that he couldn’t separate the two prisms. Something no one has ever seen before.

6. Direct and indirect risks of using this product: Flammable Flammable Toxicity Toxicity Reacts with cotton, which can cause serious burns Reacts with cotton, which can cause serious burns Heating the polymer produces gaseous products strongly irritant to lungs and eyes Heating the polymer produces gaseous products strongly irritant to lungs and eyes Recommended workers do not exceed exposures over 2ppm (8mg/m3) over an eight-hour shift. Fumes can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. Recommended workers do not exceed exposures over 2ppm (8mg/m3) over an eight-hour shift. Fumes can irritate the eyes, nose and throat.

7. Direct and indirect benefits from this product: Easy to produce Easy to produce Very sticky Very sticky Holds objects together Holds objects together

8. Alternatives that could be used that may lesson the risks/safety precautions: Wear gloves while using product Wear gloves while using product Read application instructions beforehand Read application instructions beforehand Close lid tightly after use Close lid tightly after use Avoid cotton and wool Avoid cotton and wool Choose a well ventilated work area Choose a well ventilated work area