CH2CHCONH2CH2

CH2CHCONH2CH2, also known as acrylamide, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H5NO. It is a white, crystalline solid that is soluble in water and polar organic solvents. Acrylamide is a monomer that can be polymerized to form polyacrylamide, a water-soluble polymer used in various applications.

Acrylamide is produced industrially through the catalytic hydration of acrylonitrile. This process typically involves the use of copper or silver catalysts. Acrylamide can also be formed naturally in certain foods during high-temperature cooking processes, such as frying or baking, through the Maillard reaction.

Polyacrylamide, derived from acrylamide, is widely used in water treatment as a flocculant to remove suspended solids. It is also employed in the paper industry, mining, and enhanced oil recovery. In molecular biology and biochemistry, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) is a common technique for separating proteins and nucleic acids.

Exposure to acrylamide can occur through occupational settings, such as in the manufacturing of plastics and paper, or through dietary intake from cooked foods. Acrylamide is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Chronic exposure can lead to neurological effects. Therefore, proper handling procedures and regulations are in place to minimize exposure.