A

Acrylic acid

IUPAC: prop-2-enoic acid

C3H4O2 Organic Compounds CAS 79-10-7
Expert Written | Fact Checked | Sources Cited | AllChemicals Editorial Team
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC3H4O2
CAS Number79-10-7
Molecular Weight72.06
Melting Point55 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point286 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.0497 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceAcrylic acid is a colorless liquid with a distinctive acrid odor. Flash point 130 °F. Boiling point 286 °F. Freezing point 53 °F. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Prolonged exposure to fire or he...
Also Known Asprop-2-enoic acid; 2-Propenoic acid; 79-10-7; Propenoic acid; Vinylformic acid; Acroleic acid; Ethylenecarboxylic acid; Propene acid; Glacial acrylic acid; Kyselina akrylova
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Acrylic acid?

Acrylic acid is a alpha,beta-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid that is ethene substituted by a carboxy group. It has a role as a metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of an acrylate.

Formula & Notation

C3H4O2

IUPAC Name: prop-2-enoic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: prop-2-enoic acid; 2-Propenoic acid; 79-10-7; Propenoic acid; Vinylformic acid; Acroleic acid; Ethylenecarboxylic acid; Propene acid; Glacial acrylic acid; Kyselina akrylova

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Acrylic acid is a colorless liquid with a distinctive acrid odor. Flash point 130 °F. Boiling point 286 °F. Freezing point 53 °F. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Prolonged exposure to fire or he.... Molecular formula: C3H4O2. Molecular weight: 72.06 g/mol. Boiling point: 286 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 55 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.0497 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 3.2 mmHg at 68 °F ; 5 mmHg at 81.1 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: 0.3.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point55 °F (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point286 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Density1.0497 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight72.06
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 63 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceAcrylic acid is a colorless liquid with a distinctive acrid odor. Flash point 130 °F. Boiling point 286 °F. Freezing point 53 °F. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Prolonged exposure to fire or he...

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Acrylic acid
Formula C3H4O2
CAS Number 79-10-7
Molecular Weight 72.06
Synonyms prop-2-enoic acid; 2-Propenoic acid; 79-10-7; Propenoic acid; Vinylformic acid; Acroleic acid; Ethylenecarboxylic acid; Propene acid; Glacial acrylic acid; Kyselina akrylova

Frequently Asked Questions

Acrylic acid is a alpha,beta-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid that is ethene substituted by a carboxy group. It has a role as a metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of an acrylate.

More "A" Terms

View all "A" terms →
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.