Acrylic acid is an organic compound with the formula CH2=CHCOOH. It is the simplest unsaturated carboxylic acid consisting of a vinyl group directly attached to a carboxylic acid terminal. This colorless liquid has a specific sour smell. It is miscible with water, alcohols, ethers and chloroform. More than one million tons are produced annually.

Acrylic acid is used in many fields in industry and daily life. Acrylic acid is polymerized or esterified to produce various acrylic derivatives. These derivatives are used in glass, ceramics, soaps, fertilizers, paints, textiles, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, adhesives, sealants, water treatment and other industries.

The chemical and physical properties of acrylic acid are:

• Molecular weight 72.06 g/molis .
• Melting point 13 °Cis .
• Boiling point 141 °Cis .
• Density 1.05 g/mLis .
• Its solubility is high in water and alcohol, medium in ether and low in chloroform.
• pKa value 4.25is .

The production methods of acrylic acid are as follows:

• Propylene oxidation method: This method is the most common production method of acrylic acid. Propylene is oxidized in a two-step reaction, acrolein and acrylic acid. Water is also produced in this method.
• Ethylene oxide-hydrocyanic acid condensation method: This is an alternative production method of acrylic acid. Cyanoacetaldehyde is obtained by condensing ethylene oxide with hydrocyanic acid. The cyanoacetaldehyde is then hydrolyzed to produce acrylic acid. This method also produces ammonia.
• Acetylene-carbon monoxide-water reaction method: This is an old method of acrylic acid production. The reaction of acetylene with carbon monoxide and water produces propion aldehyde. The propion aldehyde is then oxidized to produce acrylic acid. Hydrogen is also produced in this process.

Uses of acrylic acid include:

• Glass industry Acrylic acid is also used in the glass industry. Acrylic polymers applied to the surface of glass increase the light transmittance and durability of the glass. Acrylic adhesives are also used for bonding glass.
• Ceramic industry: Acrylic acid is also used in the ceramic industry. Acrylic polymers added to the ceramic paste adjust the fluidity and firing temperature of the ceramic. Acrylic lacquer is also used for polishing ceramics.
• Soap industry: Acrylic acid is also used in the soap industry. Acrylic acid is used for saponification of oils used in soap making. Acrylic polymers are also used to improve the foaming of soap and its resistance to hard water.
• Fertilizer industry: Acrylic acid is also used in the fertilizer industry. Acrylic acid is used to prevent the explosion of ammonium nitrate used in fertilizer production. Acrylic polymers are also used to increase the water holding capacity of fertilizers and the nutrient uptake of plants.
• Paint industry Acrylic acid is also used in the paint industry. Acrylic acid is used to increase the solubility of resins and pigments used in paint making. Acrylic polymers are also used to improve paint adhesion, drying and gloss.
• Textile industry Acrylic acid is also used in the textile industry. Acrylic acid is used for dyeing, printing and finishing fabrics. Acrylic polymers are also used to brighten and soften the colors of fabrics and to prevent wrinkles.