Acrylic acid
CAS Number
79-10-7
EC Number
201-177-9
Abbreviation
AA
What is Acrylic acid?
Acrylic acid (CAS 79-10-7), also known as vinylformic acid and commonly abbreviated as AA, is a reactive monomer used as the foundational building block for polyacrylate synthesis.
Where is Acrylic acid used?
- Superabsorbent polymers: primary feedstock for hygiene products such as disposable diapers and adult incontinence articles
- Water treatment and detergents: dispersants and scale inhibitors that prevent mineral deposit buildup
- Adhesives, coatings and textile sizing: co-polymers forming the backbone where controlled adhesion and film formation are required
- Personal care: polyacrylate thickeners derived from AA act as rheology modifiers in gels, creams and hair styling products.
Good to know: Stabilized liquid, typically with hydroquinone monomethyl ether added to inhibit premature polymerization during storage and transport.
Commercial specifications
- Purity levels commonly at 99%+ for polymer-grade applications
- Bulk supply in drums, ISO tanks and flexi-tanks depending on volume requirements
Other Names (Synonyms)
vinylformic acid|propenoic acid|propene acid|prop-2-enoic acid|ethylenecarboxylic acid|acroleic acid|2-propenoic acid|Glacial acrylic acid|AA
What are the physical properties of Acrylic acid?
Melting Point 12.3 °C
Boiling Point 141 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density 1.0511 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point 130 °F
Appearance Acrylic acid is a colorless, flammable, and corrosive liquid or solid (below 13 C) with an irritating, rancid, odor. Sinks and mixes with water; irritating vapor is produced.
Color Clear
Odor Acrid odor
Form Liquid
Water Solubility MISCIBLE
Vapor Pressure 4 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.421
pH 2.1 (72.06g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P 0.46 at 25℃
How is Acrylic acid classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS05· Corrosive GHS07· Irritant GHS09· Environmental Hazard GHS06· Toxic GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H226 Flammable liquid and vapor
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H311 Toxic in contact with skin
H312 Harmful in contact with skin
Precautionary Statements
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Acrylic acid?
HS Code 29161110
UN Number 2218
ADR Class 8
Packing Group II
Storage Class 3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany) 1