Molecule of the Week

October 22, 2007

Acrylic acid

Acrylic acid (2-propenoic acid) is a highly reactive carboxylic acid that can react with itself to form polyacrylic acid, which is used as an absorbent in hygiene products. It also can react with alcohols to form acrylates (esters) that are used in a wide range of polymers. However, polymers commonly called acrylic (Plexiglas, textiles, etc.) contain acrylate monomers but are often produced from chemicals other than acrylic acid.

• Get more information on this molecule from CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service)
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