Cyanoacrylates are a family of strong fast-acting adhesives with
industrial, medical, and household uses. They are derived from ethyl
cyanoacrylate and related esters. The cyanoacrylate group in the
monomer rapidly polymerizes in the presence of water to form long,
strong chains. Specific cyanoacrylates include methyl 2-
cyanoacrylate (MCA), ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate (ECA, commonly sold
under trade names such as "Super Glue"
and "Krazy Glue"), n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA), octyl cyanoacrylate,
and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (used in medical, veterinary and first aid
applications). Cyanoacrylate adhesives are sometimes known
generically as instant glues, power glues or superglues. The
abbreviation "CA" is commonly used for industrial grade cyanoacrylate.
Chemical structure of ethyl cyanoacrylate, the precursor to many
commercial adhesives.