Definition

1. Noun:
   • An unsaturated liquid carboxylic acid: A clear, corrosive liquid organic compound with a pungent odor, characterized by having a carbon-carbon double bond (unsaturated) and containing both a carboxyl group (-COOH) and a vinyl group (CH2=CH-). Its chemical formula is C3H4O2.
   • A monomer used in manufacturing: The primary, fundamental chemical building block (monomer) used in the industrial synthesis of various polymers and copolymers, most notably acrylic resins, plastics, and superabsorbent materials.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The laboratory synthesized a batch of high-purity acrylic acid for the experiment.
  • Acrylic acid is a key raw material in the production of paints and adhesives.
  • Handling acrylic acid requires proper safety equipment due to its corrosive nature.

Advanced Usage

• Technical/Industrial Context: In chemistry and manufacturing, "acrylic acid" specifically refers to the monomer, distinguishing it from its polymerized forms (e.g., polyacrylic acid).
  • The stability of the acrylic acid during storage is crucial to prevent premature polymerization.

Variants and Related Words

• Acrylate (n): A salt, ester, or conjugate base of acrylic acid. (e.g., ).
• Polyacrylic acid (n): The polymer formed by the chain reaction of many acrylic acid molecules.
• Acrylic resin (n): A broad class of synthetic polymers derived from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, or other related compounds.

Synonyms

• Propenoic acid (n): The systematic IUPAC name for acrylic acid.
• Ethylenecarboxylic acid (n): An alternative historical name.

Related Phrases/Compounds

• Acrylic acid derivatives: A category encompassing all compounds chemically derived from acrylic acid, such as its esters, salts, and amides.
• Glacial acrylic acid: A term for purified, water-free acrylic acid which can solidify at relatively low temperatures.

Noun

1. an unsaturated liquid carboxylic acid used in the manufacture of acrylic resins