and the ester function is hydrolysed subsequently. Acrylates are also used in the preparation of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers typically by Michael addition with a primary amine. Methyl acrylate is used for the preparation of 2-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate by transesterification with dimethylaminoethanol in significant quantities of over 50,000 tons / year. Reactions Methyl acrylate is a classic Michael acceptor, which means that it adds nucleophiles at its terminus. For example, in the presence of a base catalyst, it adds hydrogen sulfide to give the thioether: 2 CH2CHCO2CH3 + H2S → S(CH2CH2CO2CH3)2 It is also a good dienophile. Safety It is an acute toxin with an (rats, oral) of 300 mg/kg and a TLV of 10 ppm. References Acrylate esters Methyl esters Monomers