Acrylic acid

  • 2-Propenoic acid
  • Vinylformic acid
  • Ethylenecarboxylic acid
  • Acroleic acid
  
Formula CH2=CHCO2H
Structure
Description A colorless liquid with a distinctive acrid odor.
Uses Chemical intermediate for ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, for other specialty acrylates, eg, hydroxyethyl, monomer for polyacrylic acid & salts, eg, thickeners, comonomer with acrylamide for polymers used as flocculants, with ethylene for ion exchange resin polymers, with methyl ester for polymers, eg, thickeners, for other copolymers, eg, with itatonic acid.

 

Registry Numbers.

CAS 79-10-7
EINECS 201-177-9
RTECS AS4375000
Std. Transport No. 4931405
RCRA U008
UN (DOT) 2218
Beilstein Reference 4-02-00-01455
Beilstein Number 635743
Merck Index 132
79-10-7 is listed on the TSCA.

 

Chemical and physical properties.

Formula mass 72.06
Melting point, °C 12.8
Boiling point, °C 141
Vapor pressure, mmHg 4
Vapor density (air=1) 2.5
Specific gravity/density 1.0497
Solubility in water Soluble
Refractive index 1.4224
Odor threshold 1.04 ppm
Partition coefficient, pKow 0.35
Equilibrium constant pKa = 4.25 at 25 oC

 

Hazards and protection.

Storage Keep in a cool, dry, dark location in a tightly sealed container or cylinder. Keep away from incompatible materials, ignition sources and untrained individuals. Secure and label area. Protect containers/cylinders from physical damage.
Handling All chemicals should be considered hazardous. Avoid direct physical contact. Use appropriate, approved safety equipment. Untrained individuals should not handle this chemical or its container. Handling should occur in a chemical fume hood.
Protection Wear appropriate protective gloves, clothing and goggles.
Respirators Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
Small spills or leaks Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain flow as necessary. Use water spray to knock-down vapors. Neutralize spilled material with crushed limestone, soda ash, or lime.
Stability No data.
Incompatibilities It
Other hazards May react violently with water.

 

Fire related information.

NFPAHealth 2  
 Flammability3 
 Reactivity2 
  Special- 
Flash Point,°C 51
Autoignition temp., °C 438
Upper exp. limit, % 20.2
Lower exp. limit, % 2.4
Fire fighting Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use alcohol foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Use water spray to knock-down vapors.
Fire potential Flammable liquid. A fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame.
Hazards Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
Combustion products Toxic vapors are generated when heated May polymerize and explode

 

Health related information.

Exposure limit(s) TLV (as TWA): 2 ppm; 5.9 mg/m3 A4 (skin) (ACGIH 1997).
NIOSH REL: TWA 2 ppm (6 mg/m3) skin

Exposure effects

 
  Was neither embryotoxic nor teratogenic in rats by inhalation. Intraperitoneal doses in pregnant rats resulted in decreased birth weight, skeletal abnormalities, and resorptions.
Ingestion Burning sensation, weakness, abdominal cramps, diarrhorea, Shock, Corrosive, Unconsciousness.
Inhalation Irritant effects may occur from acute inhalation.
Skin Burns may be caused by splash contact.
Eyes Vapors may cause eye irritation. The liquid may cause blindness if splashed into the eye. Vapors will also cause nasal irritation.
First aid 
Ingestion DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Corrosive chemicals will destroy the membranes of the mouth, throat, and esophagus and, in addition, have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Transport the victim IMMEDIATELY to a hospital.
Inhalation IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used.
Skin IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.
Eyes First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

 

Shipping information.

DOT (UN) Transportation Information
UN number 2218
Response guide 132
Hazard class 8