ACRYLIC ACID 

~ also known as 2-Propenoic acid, 79-10-7, Propenoic acid, Vinylformic acid, Prop-2-enoic acid (preferred IUPAC name) etc. is an incredibly common chemical in the manufacturing industry with over 1 million tons produced per year. It is the most simple unsaturated carboxylic acid.

Chemical structure: CH₂=CHCOOH, vinyl group attached to carboxylic acid terminus.

Odor: Acrid or tart

Production: 

a) From propylene: CH₂=CHCH₃ + ​³⁄₂ O₂ → CH₂=CHCO₂H + H₂O

b) Oxidation of propane to acrylic acid (under research)

c) Carboxylation to acrylic acid (under supercritical CO2).

d) Environmentally-friendly option: Using fermented sugar to produce 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3HP) = acrylic acid precursor

Chemical reactions and Uses:  Acrylic acid reacts with alcohol to form an es...

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