Let's study Methyl Methacrylate (MMA), Butyl acrylate (BA), and Formic Acid. Discover the Unique Characteristics of Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is a monomer commonly known as methacrylic acid or methyl ester. MMA, a key building component for acrylic-based polymers, is used in safe glazing, external paints, vinyl impact modifications, adhesives, lighted light displays, and other applications. There are various synthetic methods for producing MMA, the most common of which being the three-stage procedure that involves adding acetone to HCN and proceeding to acetone cyanohydrin. The formation of methyl methacrylate monomer dates back to the early 1800s, when acrylic acids were first produced. It took German chemists around 85 years to discover acrylic acid in 1843. Then it took another 22 years to produce methacrylic acid, after which methanol was incorporated to form the chemical reaction of methyl methacrylate, which became known as acrylic polymer.