How does moisture cause cyanoacrylate adhesives to polymerize?

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Why does glue stick? — adhesive Overview of how glue and other adhesives work.

Cyanoacrylate adhesives, commonly known as Super Glue, are unique because they undergo rapid polymerization when exposed to atmospheric moisture.12

The process is driven by the chemical structure of the cyanoacrylate monomer, which contains highly polar nitrile and ester groups. These groups make the molecules highly reactive toward basic surfaces, especially in the presence of water. When moisture is present, it acts as an initiator that triggers the monomers to link together, forming long, chainlike polymer molecules. These chains create strong, glassy resins that effectively bond closely spaced surfaces together almost instantly.132