Adjusting the polymerization time of isobutyl-2 cyanoacrylate.

Isobutyl-2 cyanoacrylate (IBCA) polymerizes by an anionic mechanism. The initiation of polymerization depends on an alkaline medium and can be inhibited with the addition of small amounts of acid. Using small amounts of glacial acetic acid (3.7%-7.1% by volume), the polymerization time was prolonged from 2.3 sec to 7.8 sec. In vivo experiments in dogs demonstrated no additional inflammatory reactions to the mixture of IBCA, iophendylate, and tantalum powder when acetic acid was added. Glacial acetic acid offers a safe and effective way, without increase in viscosity, to manipulate the polymerization time of IBCA.