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SAcrylic acid (IUPAC: prop-2-enoic acid) is an organic compound with
the formula CH2=CHCO2H. It is the simplest unsaturated carboxylic
acid, consisting of a vinyl group connected directly to a carboxylic acid
terminus. This colourless liquid has a characteristic acrid or tart smell.
[1] It is miscible with water, alcohol, ether, benzene, chloroform, and
acetone. It polymerises readily in the presence of oxygen. Exothermic
polymerisation at room temperature may cause acrylic acid to become
explosive if confined. It is sensitive to heat and sunlight. It is also a fire
hazard when exposed to heat or flame. Acrylic acid is incompatible with
strong oxidisers, strong bases, strong alkalies and pure nitrogen. It may
polymerise (sometimes explosively) on contact with amines, ammonia,
oleum and chlorosulfonic acid, iron salts and peroxides. It may corrode
iron and steel. [2]
