Methacrylic acid (MAA) is a colorless, transparent liquid with a pungent odor at room temperature and is soluble in water. Its chemical properties are similar to those of acrylic acid, but due to the presence of an additional methyl group on the α‑carbon, it exhibits significant steric hindrance. This results in a lower polymerization reactivity for MAA compared to acrylic acid. However, the polymers derived from its polymerization, such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA or organic glass), offer higher hardness, better optical transparency, stronger weather resistance, and improved heat resistance. Consequently, the primary application of MAA is as a key monomer in the production of organic glass, high‑performance coatings, adhesives, resin modifiers, as well as medical materials like dental and bone cements.