CH2CHCOOOH

CH2CHCOOOH, more commonly known as acrylic acid, is an organic compound with the chemical formula C3H4O2. It is a carboxylic acid and a vinyl monomer. In its pure form, acrylic acid is a colorless liquid with a characteristic acrid or pungent odor. It is miscible with water, alcohols, and ethers. Acrylic acid is highly reactive due to the presence of both a double bond and a carboxyl group. This reactivity makes it a valuable building block in the chemical industry.

Acrylic acid is primarily produced industrially through the catalytic oxidation of propylene. This process involves two main steps. First, propylene is oxidized to acrolein, and then acrolein is further oxidized to acrylic acid. Alternative production methods exist, but the propylene oxidation route is the most commercially significant.

The major application of acrylic acid is in the production of polymers and copolymers. These polymers, known as polyacrylates, are widely used in a variety of products. They serve as essential components in the manufacturing of superabsorbent polymers, which are used in disposable diapers and other hygiene products. Acrylic acid-based polymers are also found in paints, coatings, adhesives, textiles, and plastics. The versatility and desirable properties of these polymers, such as durability, flexibility, and adhesion, contribute to their widespread use.