Acrylic acid is a clear liquid with a strong, pungent odor. It’s used in the production of a wide range of products, including adhesives, coatings, and plastics. Acrylic acid is also used in the manufacture of superabsorbent polymers used in disposable diapers.
| IUPAC Name | Prop-2-enoic acid |
| Molecular Formula | C3H4O2 |
| CAS Number | 79-10-7 |
| Synonyms | 2-Propenoic acid, Vinyl formic acid, Propene acid, Ethylenecarboxylic acid, Acroleic acid, Acrylic acid solution, etc. |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C3H4O2/c1-2-3(4)5/h2H,1H2,(H,4,5) |
Acrylic Acid Properties
Acrylic Acid Formula
The chemical formula for acrylic acid is C3H4O2. It is a colorless liquid that has a strong and pungent odor. Acrylic acid is an unsaturated carboxylic acid and has a double bond between the second and third carbon atoms. The chemical formula of acrylic acid shows that it has three carbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms.
Acrylic Acid Molar Mass
The molar mass of propene acid is 72.06 g/mol. It is a relatively light compound, which makes it easy to transport and handle. The molar mass is calculated by adding the atomic masses of the constituent atoms in one molecule of propene acid.
Acrylic Acid Boiling Point
Propene acid has a boiling point of 141 °C (286 °F). This means that it will evaporate when heated to this temperature. The boiling point is influenced by the intermolecular forces between the molecules of propene acid. Propene acid has weak intermolecular forces, and therefore, has a relatively low boiling point.
Acrylic Acid Melting Point
The melting point of propene acid is -13.2 °C (8.2 °F). It is a low melting point, which means that propene acid exists as a liquid at room temperature. The melting point of propene acid is influenced by the strength of the intermolecular forces between the molecules.
Acrylic Acid Density g/mL
The density of propene acid is 1.051 g/mL at room temperature. This means that propene acid is denser than water. The density of propene acid is influenced by the mass of the constituent atoms in one molecule of propene acid.
Acrylic Acid Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of propene acid is 72.06 g/mol. The molecular weight of propene acid is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in one molecule of propene acid. It is used to calculate the amount of propene acid needed to make a certain concentration of a solution.
Acrylic Acid Structure
Propene acid has a double bond between the second and third carbon atoms, which gives it a linear structure. It is an unsaturated carboxylic acid with a carboxyl group at the end of the molecule. The carboxyl group is made up of a carbon atom double bonded to an oxygen atom and a single bonded to a hydroxyl group.
Acrylic Acid Solubility
Propene acid is soluble in water and many organic solvents. The solubility of propene acid in water increases with temperature. It is also soluble in ethanol, methanol, acetone, and chloroform. The solubility of propene acid is influenced by the polarity of the solvent and the intermolecular forces between the molecules.
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.051 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Strong, pungent odor |
| Molar Mass | 72.06 g/mol |
| Density | 1.051 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Melting Point | -13.2 °C |
| Boiling Point | 141 °C |
| Flash Point | 51 °C |
| Water Solubility | Miscible |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, methanol, acetone, and chloroform |
| Vapour Pressure | 8.8 mmHg at 25 °C |
| Vapour Density | 2.45 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 4.25 |
| pH | 2.8 (0.1 M solution) |
Acrylic Acid Safety and Hazards
Propene acid poses several safety hazards and should be handled with care. It is a highly corrosive and flammable liquid, and exposure to it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Inhalation of propene acid vapors can also cause respiratory problems. Propene acid is also known to react violently with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, and reducing agents. Proper protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and respirators, should be worn when handling propene acid. In case of exposure or accidental ingestion, immediate medical attention should be sought. Proper storage and handling practices should also be followed to minimize the risk of accidents.
| Hazard Symbols | Corrosive, Flammable |
| Safety Description | Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove/Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing. IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell. |
| UN IDs | UN2218 |
| HS Code | 2916.11.00 |
| Hazard Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | LD50 (oral, rat): 360 mg/kg; LC50 (inhalation, rat): 260 ppm/4h |
Acrylic Acid Synthesis Methods
There are several methods to synthesize propene acid, but the most common one involves the oxidation of propylene using a catalytic process. This method produces propene acid with high purity and yield.
The process involves using a mixed metal oxide catalyst to oxidize propylene to acrolein. The process involves using a catalyst such as bismuth molybdate or silver to oxidize acrolein into propene acid. The reaction produces heat, which the system harnesses to maintain the required temperature for the reaction. The process separates propene acid from the reaction mixture through distillation.
Another method to synthesize propene acid involves the carbonylation of methanol using carbon monoxide and a rhodium-based catalyst. This method produces a mixture of propene acid and other carboxylic acids, which can be separated by distillation or other separation techniques.
The hydrolysis of acrylonitrile can produce propene acid, which manufacturers obtain from propylene through ammoxidation. However, the complexity and high cost of this process make it a less commonly used method.
Acrylic Acid Uses
Propene acid has several uses in various industries, thanks to its unique properties and versatile nature. Here are some common uses of propene acid:
- Manufacturing of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) used in diapers, feminine hygiene products, and other absorbent products.
- Manufacturers produce methyl acrylate and ethyl acrylate, which find usage in the production of coatings, adhesives, and plastics.
- Various industries use polypropene acid and its derivatives as thickeners, dispersants, and emulsifiers, for which they produce them as a building block.
- The production of textiles and carpets using acrylate fibers necessitates the use of raw materials.
- As a co-monomer in the production of various polymers, such as polycarboxylates and acrylic resins.
- UV-curable coatings, which find application in wood coatings, automotive coatings, and printing inks, use reactive diluents. These diluents play a crucial role in the coatings’ chemical composition and enable them to cure under UV light.
- As a corrosion inhibitor in metalworking fluids, lubricants, and cooling water systems.
- As a feedstock in the production of specialty chemicals, such as acrylamide and acrolein.
- The wide range of applications of propene acid highlights its importance in modern industry and its versatility in different fields.
Questions:
Q: How to make an ethylene acrylic acid dispersion?
A: An ethylene propene acid dispersion can be made by emulsion polymerization of ethylene and propene acid monomers using a surfactant, followed by stabilization and drying.
Q: How to perform vacuum distillation of acrylic acid?
A: Vacuum distillation of propene acid can be performed by heating the propene acid to its boiling point under reduced pressure to remove impurities and obtain pure propene acid.
Q: What is acrylic acid?
A: Propene acid is a colorless liquid organic compound with the chemical formula C3H4O2. It is an important monomer used in the production of a variety of polymers.
Q: What is acrylic acid used for?
A: Propene acid is used in the production of superabsorbent polymers, acrylic esters, polypropene acid, acrylate fibers, and other specialty chemicals.
Q: What is the pH response of acrylic acid gel after exposure to neutrophils and macrophages?
A: The pH response of propene acid gel after exposure to neutrophils and macrophages depends on the concentration and formulation of the gel, as well as the physiological conditions of the environment.
Q: Is acrylic acid hydrophobic or hydrophilic?
A: Propene acid is hydrophilic, meaning it is water-soluble and can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
Q: Is acrylic acid the same as acrylic?
A: Propene acid is not the same as acrylic. Acrylic is a type of plastic made from polymers of methyl methacrylate, while propene acid is a monomer used in the production of various polymers and specialty chemicals.