Methanesulfonic Acid (MSA) CH3SO3H
Methanesulfonic Acid 70% in Electrochemical Applications:
- Replacement for fluoboric acid and fluoborates in tin/lead plating
- Wire and steel strip tin plating
- Metal finishing of silver, copper, nickel and palladium
- Immersion and spray stripping
- Lead recovery from scrap batteries
- Electrolytic stripping
- Electropolishing
- Regenerating ion exchange resins
Methanesulfonic Acid 70% is an excellent catalyst for esterification, alkylation and condensation reactions. Methanesulfonic Acid yields purer and lower color esters than both sulfuric and para-toluene sulfonic acids. Unlike titanate catalysts, Methanesulfonic Acid can be used at low temperatures.
Key Benefits of Methane Sulfonic Acid in Esterification:
- Low molecular weight
- Pure and non-oxidizing
- Limited by-products
- High thermal stability
- A clear rag layer
- Recyclable
- Biodegradable
- Easily handled
- Less corrosive than H2SO4
Methane Sulfonic Acid is the catalyst of choice for: acetates, acrylates, phthalates, fatty acid esters and thioglycolates.
Anhydrous Methane Sulfonic Acid
Anhydrous Methane Sulfonic Acid is particularly well suited for pharmaceutical
applications and as a catalyst for aromatic alkylation. To meet the demanding
needs of the pharmaceutical industry, Arkema is also developing Methanesulfonic
Acid ph grade.

