Acrylic Acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH₂=CHCOOH. This colorless liquid has a sharp, distinctive odor and is highly reactive due to the presence of both a carboxyl group and a carbon–carbon double bond in its structure.

Structure of Acrylic Acid

The structure of acrylic acid consists of a vinyl group (CH₂=CH−) and a carboxyl group (−COOH).
The carbon–carbon double bond (vinyl bond) is responsible for its high reactivity in polymerization reactions, while the carboxyl group makes it a weak acid, enabling esterification and other reactions.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Acrylic Acid

Property	Description
Physical state	Colorless, transparent liquid
Odor	Sharp and characteristic
Solubility	Completely miscible with water, alcohols, ethers, and chloroform
Reactivity	Highly reactive, especially toward polymerization. For this reason, acrylic acid is usually stabilized with small amounts of polymerization inhibitors (such as monomethyl ether hydroquinone – MEHQ) to prevent spontaneous polymerization during storage.
Boiling point	139°C
Melting point	13°C
Acidity	Weak acid

Applications of Acrylic Acid

Acrylic acid is widely used in various industries due to its unique chemical properties and versatility:

1. Polymer and Resin Production

The primary use of acrylic acid is in the manufacture of acrylic polymers (polyacrylates).
These polymers are used in paints, coatings, adhesives, water-repellent agents, and inks.

2. Coatings and Paint Industry

Used as a monomer in the production of acrylic emulsions and resins for architectural paints, automotive coatings, and industrial finishes.

3. Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs)

Polymers derived from acrylic acid, particularly sodium polyacrylate, have high water absorption capacity.
They are used in baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, and agriculture (as soil moisture retainers).

4. Textile Industry

Used in the production of acrylic fibers and fabrics with excellent resistance to sunlight and weathering.

5. Petroleum Additives

Improves the performance of oils and lubricants.

6. Water Treatment Chemicals

Acts as a scale inhibitor and dispersing agent.

7. Pharmaceutical Industry

Serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of certain pharmaceutical compounds.

Advantages of Acrylic Acid

✅ Wide range of applications: Due to its high reactivity and polymerization capability, it is used in manufacturing a broad spectrum of industrial products.
✅ High performance: Resulting polymers exhibit excellent mechanical, optical, and chemical properties.
✅ Durability: End products made from acrylic acid (such as coatings and paints) show strong resistance to water, weather, UV radiation, and chemicals.
✅ Excellent adhesion: Ideal for producing strong and durable adhesives.

Disadvantages of Acrylic Acid

Toxic and corrosive: Acrylic acid is corrosive and can cause severe irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Prolonged or repeated exposure may lead to serious tissue damage.
Strong odor: Its pungent smell can be unpleasant and irritating at high concentrations.
Highly flammable: Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air.
Spontaneous polymerization: Without stabilizers, it may polymerize spontaneously, posing safety risks and damaging storage containers.
Environmental impact: Toxic to aquatic life if released into the environment.

Safety and Handling of Acrylic Acid

Specification	Details
Chemical formula	C₃H₄O₂
IUPAC name	Propenoic Acid
CAS Number	79-10-7
GHS Classification	Highly Flammable, Corrosive, Toxic
H-codes (Hazards)	H226, H302, H314, H335, H412

Health and Safety Hazards

Type of Exposure	Hazards
Skin contact	Severe burns, redness, inflammation, possible dermal absorption
Eye contact	Serious damage, possible vision loss
Inhalation	Respiratory irritation, coughing, headache
Ingestion	Burns to mouth, throat, and stomach – dangerous if swallowed
Fire risk	Highly flammable (flash point ≈ 10°C)
Reactivity	Strong polymerization if heated or exposed to peroxides

Recommended Safety Measures

Item	Recommendation
Gloves	Acid-resistant nitrile or neoprene gloves
Eye protection	Safety goggles with side shields / full-face shield
Respiratory protection	Filter mask (organic vapor cartridge) for closed areas or prolonged exposure
Ventilation	Mandatory – use closed systems or fume hoods
Protective clothing	Chemical-resistant protective suit or lab apron

Storage Conditions for Acrylic Acid

Factor	Recommended Condition
Storage temperature	Below 25°C (preferably below 10°C)
Storage containers	Epoxy-coated steel tanks or HDPE tanks with stabilizers
Stabilizing additive	Hydroquinone (ppm levels) to prevent polymerization
Storage environment	Dry, cool, well-ventilated, away from ignition sources
Incompatible materials	Oxidizing agents, nitric acid, peroxides, strong bases
Flammability	High – use foam, CO₂, or dry powder for fire control
Shelf life	Up to 6 months (under proper storage and thermal stability conditions)