Cas No: 79-10-7
EINESC No: 201-177-9
Molecule weight: 72.063 g/mol
Chemical Formula: C3H4O2
Chemical Structure:
Physical Properties
General Properties: Luminous, colorless liquid
Odor: Strong, characteristic
Intensity: 1.051 g/cm3
Boiling point: 141 °C
Melting point: 14 °C
Flash point: 68 °C
Vapor pressure: 3 mmHg (20 °C)
Refraction index:-
Solubility (aqueous): completely miscible
General Properties
Acrylicacid, comonly known as propenoic acid, consists of vinyl group connected to carboxylic acid terminus and it is the simplest unsaturated carboxylic acid. It can easly be polymerized under presence of heat, light, metal or oxygen. It can be easily mixed with water, alcohol, chloroform and ether. Thanks to this property, it is commonly used in plastic production.
Production
It was produced by hydrocarboxylation of acetylene in early times but this method was changed due to economical reasons. Many methods were abandoned due to economical and environmental concerns. Today, it is produced by oxidation of propylene as a byproduct for ethylene and gasoline. Propane is cheaper than propylene but an economical method has not been found yet.
Applications
Acrylicacid performs all typical reactions of carboxylic acid. When in reaction with an alcohol, it creates the relevant effect. Acrylicacid and its esters can easily react to monomers, thus provide raw materials for industry business.
Acrylicacid is used as starting material, primarily in plastic production, due to its tendency to polymerization. Aside from this, it is used as raw material and surface activator agent in blocks of building materials, water purification facilities, diaper production, textile, optic tools, jewellry, adhesives, lining materials and weaving fibre.
Safety Measures and Toxic Values
Acrylicacid, like other acids, are extremely irritant to eyes. It may cause permanent injuries. When inhaled in low amounts, it is not too dangerous. However, if inhaled in high amounts, it is dangerous for human health. It may cause serious health problems if swallowed. Its LD50 value is calculated as 340 on animals. It is also one of the compounds of tobacco smoke.
Acrylicacid is also a flammable liquid. Its steam is also flammable. Caution advised when storing. In order to avoid possible fire incident , it must be kept away from heat, spark or high temperatures. The tap of the container must be closed tightly and it must be stored in a well-aired place.