Definition of methanesulfonic acid
chemistry
: a corrosive liquid acid CH4O3S that is used especially as a catalyst in chemical reactions (such as polymerization and esterification)
- Methanesulfonic acid has been developed as an esterification catalyst in place of sulfuric acid for the synthesis of resins in paints and coatings.
- —Stanley E. Manahan, Toxicological Chemistry and Biochemistry, 2003
- The mesylate salt is obtained by reaction with methanesulfonic acid.
- —Anna M. Wodlinger, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 2005
