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Acrylic 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]
