Polymer and copolymer synthesis
WHO identifies acrylic acid as a monomer for polyacrylic acid and its salts and as a comonomer in other polymers. [15]
01
THE ESSENTIALS
Acrylic Acid in 30 Seconds
The terminal CH₂=CH group is attached to COOH. Because one alkene carbon carries two hydrogens, acrylic acid does not have an E/Z pair.
Acrylic acid contains both a carboxyl group and a polymerizable carbon–carbon double bond. Commercial inhibitor systems are part of the product specification and handling context. [1] [3]
Safety at a glance — Acrylic acid is corrosive and flammable, with significant inhalation and skin-contact hazards. TCI A0141 also identifies organ damage, repeated-exposure organ damage and long-lasting aquatic harm. ICSC warns of rapid polymerization and fire or explosion, including uninhibited vapors blocking vents. Freezing can segregate stabilizer. TCI A0141 explicitly specifies 15–25 °C. Follow exact-product inhibitor, atmosphere, storage and thawing instructions; do not derive a generic cold-storage rule. [4] [5] [6] [14]
A condensed structural formula keeps the functional groups visible. [1]
02
GO A LITTLE DEEPER
Understanding Acrylic Acid
THE SIMPLE EXPLANATION
The functional groups
The terminal CH₂=CH group is attached to COOH. Because one alkene carbon carries two hydrogens, acrylic acid does not have an E/Z pair. [1]
A LITTLE DEEPER
What the structure changes
Deprotonation forms an acrylate ion; polymerization instead consumes the carbon–carbon double bond to build a chain. These are different transformations. Polyacrylic acid and an acrylate ester are distinct products with distinct specifications. [1] [12]
Technical detail Identity, dissociation & specification
The neutral free-acid formula, connectivity and specified geometric identity are distinct from a salt, ester, polymer or anhydride. Numeric pKa is not promoted where retrieved conditions or conflicting measurements remain insufficiently resolved. [1] [2] [4] [5] [6]
Acid–base reference values describe equilibria under specified conditions. They are not a substitute for a validated formulation or an assay on the purchased lot.
03
MAKE THE CONNECTION
How Acrylic Acid Compares
Similar names and functional groups do not mean interchangeable chemicals.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Acrylic Acid vs Methacrylic Acid
Unsaturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid
versusUnsaturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid
Fixed comparison for this prototype. Acid selectors are disabled; additional comparisons are coming later.
| Property | Acrylic Acid | Methacrylic Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C₃H₄O₂ [1] | C₄H₆O₂ [7] |
| Molecular weight | 72.06 g/mol [1] | 86.09 g/mol [7] |
| Carbon atoms | 3 [1] | 4 [7] |
| Carboxyl groups | 1 [1] | 1 [7] |
| Structure | CH₂=CH–COOH [1] | CH₂=C(CH₃)–COOH [7] |
| Chemical family | Unsaturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid [1] | Unsaturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid [7] |
| Identity focus | Free acid [1] | Free acid [7] |
Chemical identities are compared here; supplier grades, concentrations, and stereochemical specifications are separate purchasing attributes. pKa values retain their stated conditions; no quantitative solubility ranking is implied.
When Might You Choose One Instead of the Other?
Choose acrylic acid when the validated process requires acrylic-acid units or an acrylate precursor; choose methacrylic acid for its methyl-substituted framework. Match inhibitor compatibility, water limits and the process safety controls before considering substitution. [1] [3] [7]
Specified starting material
Acrylic Acid
Match CH₂=CH–COOH and the method’s required chemical form.
Methacrylic Acid
Match CH₂=C(CH₃)–COOH; verify the identity before substituting a related acid.
Before choosing: match the reaction or formulation, then verify the exact form, grade, assay basis, and impurities. These contexts do not establish suitability for an industrial or regulated application.
04
FROM STRUCTURE TO APPLICATION
What Is Acrylic Acid Used For?
Polymer and copolymer synthesis
WHO identifies acrylic acid as a monomer for polyacrylic acid and its salts and as a comonomer in other polymers. Absorbency, thickening and coating performance belong to the resulting polymer or formulation. [15]
Acrylate-ester manufacture
Acrylic acid is a starting material for acrylic esters. Ester identity and downstream qualification determine the eventual application; the raw acid itself is not an adhesive, coating or medical device. [15]
06
SOURCE WITH CONTEXT
Acrylic Acid Suppliers
Compare specific products and package options. Listings are not ranked recommendations.
3 suppliers · 3 products · 9 package listingsLatest supplier check: October 3, 2026
Package sizes stay grouped under the supplier product. Assay methods, product forms, and regional markets remain visible. TCI identifies MEHQ but gives no inhibitor concentration; Sigma 147230 specifies 200 ppm MEHQ. Wako’s retrieved listing does not establish an inhibitor identity or amount. Compare inhibitor requirements separately from GC, capillary GC and an unspecified 99% assay.
Scroll horizontally if needed. Supplier and package identity stay visible.
| Supplier | Product / Grade | Purity / Assay | Package Size | Public Price | Normalized Price | Documentation | Last Checked | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCI AmericaAcrylic Acid | Named grade not statedA0141 · 25 gMEHQ named; inhibitor concentration not stated. Supplier explicitly specifies 15–25 °C and warns that refrigeration can segregate the inhibitor. | GC: minimum 99.0% | 25 g | $25.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: TCI America
| View Product: TCI America, A0141 · 25 g (opens new tab) | |
| Named grade not statedA0141 · 500 gMEHQ named; inhibitor concentration not stated. Supplier explicitly specifies 15–25 °C and warns that refrigeration can segregate the inhibitor. | GC: minimum 99.0% | 500 g | $45.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: TCI America, A0141 · 500 g (opens new tab) | |||
| Sigma-Aldrich / MerckAcrylic Acid | Anhydrous147230-5GContains 200 ppm MEHQ. Anhydrous grade does not mean inhibitor-free. | 99%; assay method not stated | 5 g | $51.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck
| View Product: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck, 147230-5G (opens new tab) | |
| Anhydrous147230-100GContains 200 ppm MEHQ. Anhydrous grade does not mean inhibitor-free. | 99%; assay method not stated | 100 g | $62.50USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck, 147230-100G (opens new tab) | |||
| Anhydrous147230-500GContains 200 ppm MEHQ. Anhydrous grade does not mean inhibitor-free. | 99%; assay method not stated | 500 g | $65.20USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck, 147230-500G (opens new tab) | |||
| Anhydrous147230-3KGContains 200 ppm MEHQ. Anhydrous grade does not mean inhibitor-free. | 99%; assay method not stated | 3 kg | $178.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck, 147230-3KG (opens new tab) | |||
| Anhydrous147230-18KGContains 200 ppm MEHQ. Anhydrous grade does not mean inhibitor-free. | 99%; assay method not stated | 18 kg | $662.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck, 147230-18KG (opens new tab) | |||
| FUJIFILM WakoAcrylic Acid | Wako Special Grade017-00773Research / further manufacturing. Japan stock does not confirm US availability. Protect from light; inhibitor identity and amount not verified in the retrieved product text. | 98.0+% (capillary GC) | 25 mL | $30.00USD · US catalog list price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: FUJIFILM Wako
| View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 017-00773 (opens new tab) | |
| Wako Special Grade011-00776Research / further manufacturing. Japan stock does not confirm US availability. Protect from light; inhibitor identity and amount not verified in the retrieved product text. | 98.0+% (capillary GC) | 500 mL | $37.00USD · US catalog list price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 011-00776 (opens new tab) |
TCI America
Acrylic Acid
Named grade not stated
MEHQ named; inhibitor concentration not stated. Supplier explicitly specifies 15–25 °C and warns that refrigeration can segregate the inhibitor.
25 g
A0141 · 25 g- Public price
- $25.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 g
A0141 · 500 g- Public price
- $45.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: TCI America
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
Sigma-Aldrich / Merck
Acrylic Acid
Anhydrous
Contains 200 ppm MEHQ. Anhydrous grade does not mean inhibitor-free.
5 g
147230-5G- Public price
- $51.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
100 g
147230-100G- Public price
- $62.50USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 g
147230-500G- Public price
- $65.20USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
3 kg
147230-3KG- Public price
- $178.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
18 kg
147230-18KG- Public price
- $662.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich / Merck
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
FUJIFILM Wako
Acrylic Acid
Wako Special Grade
Research / further manufacturing. Japan stock does not confirm US availability. Protect from light; inhibitor identity and amount not verified in the retrieved product text.
25 mL
017-00773- Public price
- $30.00USD · US catalog list price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 mL
011-00776- Public price
- $37.00USD · US catalog list price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: FUJIFILM Wako
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
Documentation evidence
COA = Certificate of Analysis · SDS = Safety Data Sheet · COO = Certificate of Origin.
Lookup means a retrieval option was visible, not that a lot certificate was reviewed. Check supplier means availability or the applicable document was not verified.
Prices may vary by quantity, account, contract, geography, and availability. These products have different grades, assay bases, or forms; no normalized comparison is shown. Foreign-market prices are reference listings only. No currency conversion, mass-to-volume conversion, or ranking is applied. Confirm equivalent specifications and a current quote before comparison. [4] [5] [6]
Verification limits & placement policy
pKa: OMITTED. Compiled records report 4.25 and 4.26 at 25 °C without sufficient method, solvent and ionic-strength context in the retrieved entries. IUPAC records located by the common name instead concern acidity-function scales in aqueous sulfuric acid; those are not substituted for ordinary aqueous pKa. Inhibitor: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. 200 ppm MEHQ belongs to Sigma 147230 only. TCI names MEHQ without an amount; the Wako amount and identity remain unverified. Thermal state: VERIFIED. Liquid at 20 °C does not exclude freezing near 14 °C or the associated stabilizer segregation.
Only the displayed identity, specification, packages, public prices and stated documentation evidence were reviewed. Current stock, lead times, shipping eligibility, contract pricing, lot certificates, and regulatory suitability are unverified.
There are no paid placements. Future paid listings will show “Sponsored” in both views; payment will not determine chemistry interpretation or imply a ranking.
07
PLAN A LARGER ORDER
Need Acrylic Acid in Bulk?
Turn your requirements into a clear supplier brief.
Bulk RFQ feature — coming soon. Prototype form: submissions are not currently sent to suppliers. Use sample details to prepare an on-screen brief.
Prepare a bulk request Prototype form
08
A BUYER’S CHECKLIST
Before You Buy Acrylic Acid
Selections remain only while this page is open.
09
FOR YOUR REFERENCE
Acrylic Acid Technical Reference
Identity, product reference properties, and handling context.
Identification Names, formula & identifiers
- Principal CAS
- 79-10-7
- Identity focus
- Free acid
- Formula
- C₃H₄O₂
- Molecular weight
- 72.06 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- prop-2-enoic acid
- Connectivity SMILES
- C=CC(=O)O
- Identity SMILES
- C=CC(=O)O
- InChI
- InChI=1S/C3H4O2/c1-2-3(4)5/h2H,1H2,(H,4,5)
- PubChem CID
- 6581
Connectivity SMILES describes connectivity; it is not an independent stereochemical assignment. CAS and product-form distinctions are supported by the supplier listings. [1] [4] [5] [6]
Physical Properties Product references & conditions
The listed material is liquid at 20 °C, but solidification near cool room temperatures affects the inhibitor system. No melting reference is a safe thawing instruction. [13] [4] [5]
- Melting reference
- 13.56 °C; CRC (2014–2015), attributed in HSDB [13]
- Boiling reference
- 286 °F (about 141 °C) at 760 mmHg; NTP (1992), attributed in CAMEO [13]
- Water solubility
- Miscible at 25 °C; Riddick et al. (1985), attributed in HSDB [13]
- Density reference
- 1.0511 g/cm³ at 20 °C; CRC (2014–2015), attributed in HSDB [13]
Hydrate, concentration, stereoisomer, and temperature can change the relevant specification. Product reference data are not a reviewed lot certificate.
Acid/Base Properties Verified values & missing data
A numeric pKa was not verified for the selected identity in this review; no value is inferred. [2]
pKa: OMITTED. Compiled records report 4.25 and 4.26 at 25 °C without sufficient method, solvent and ionic-strength context in the retrieved entries. IUPAC records located by the common name instead concern acidity-function scales in aqueous sulfuric acid; those are not substituted for ordinary aqueous pKa. Inhibitor: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. 200 ppm MEHQ belongs to Sigma 147230 only. TCI names MEHQ without an amount; the Wako amount and identity remain unverified. Thermal state: VERIFIED. Liquid at 20 °C does not exclude freezing near 14 °C or the associated stabilizer segregation.
Temperature, ionic strength, and the use of activities versus concentrations matter in quantitative work. These reference values are not buffer recipes.
Safety at a Glance Product-specific hazards
Acrylic acid is corrosive and flammable, with significant inhalation and skin-contact hazards. TCI A0141 also identifies organ damage, repeated-exposure organ damage and long-lasting aquatic harm. ICSC warns of rapid polymerization and fire or explosion, including uninhibited vapors blocking vents. Freezing can segregate stabilizer. TCI A0141 explicitly specifies 15–25 °C. Follow exact-product inhibitor, atmosphere, storage and thawing instructions; do not derive a generic cold-storage rule. [4] [5] [6] [14]
Hazard classifications can vary by concentration, product, supplier and jurisdiction. Review the SDS for the exact product before handling. This summary does not replace the SDS.
Supplier safety information and SDS retrieval (opens new tab)
A product-page safety classification is not verification of every regional SDS. Confirm product code, chemical form and current local document.
Review supplier documentation10
COMMON QUESTIONS
Acrylic Acid FAQ
What distinguishes Acrylic Acid?
The terminal CH₂=CH group is attached to COOH. Because one alkene carbon carries two hydrogens, acrylic acid does not have an E/Z pair. [1]
How does it differ from Methacrylic Acid?
Methacrylic acid adds a methyl group at the carbon next to COOH. The monomers therefore supply different repeating structures; equal headline chemical assay does not make their polymerization behavior interchangeable. [7]
What must a buyer specify?
TCI identifies MEHQ but gives no inhibitor concentration; Sigma 147230 specifies 200 ppm MEHQ. Wako’s retrieved listing does not establish an inhibitor identity or amount. Compare inhibitor requirements separately from GC, capillary GC and an unspecified 99% assay. [4]
Are the listed products directly price-comparable?
No. The table retains differing grades, assay bases, forms, and markets. No normalized ranking or currency conversion is applied. [5]
What reference data still need checking?
pKa: OMITTED. Compiled records report 4.25 and 4.26 at 25 °C without sufficient method, solvent and ionic-strength context in the retrieved entries. IUPAC records located by the common name instead concern acidity-function scales in aqueous sulfuric acid; those are not substituted for ordinary aqueous pKa. Inhibitor: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. 200 ppm MEHQ belongs to Sigma 147230 only. TCI names MEHQ without an amount; the Wako amount and identity remain unverified. Thermal state: VERIFIED. Liquid at 20 °C does not exclude freezing near 14 °C or the associated stabilizer segregation.
Can I request a bulk quote here?
The RFQ is a prototype that prepares an on-screen brief. Nothing is sent to suppliers. Confirm actual bulk terms directly with the supplier.
11
TRACE THE INFORMATION
Sources & Editorial Notes
Identity and compiled reference values are separated from supplier-specific specifications. Structural comparisons and buyer guidance are editorial interpretation. Sources were checked October 3, 2026; supplier information can change.
- PubChem · chemical identity (opens new tab)
Neutral molecular identity verified independently through PUG REST; CAS also checked on all selected supplier products.
- PubChem / HSDB · dissociation references (opens new tab)
No numeric field promoted: insufficient conditions or unresolved conflicting records.
- PubChem / HSDB · application references (opens new tab)
Attributed application records reviewed claim by claim. Free acid, intermediate, derivative and biological context are distinguished.
- TCI America · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product checked October 3, 2026. Identity, listed assay methods, packages, market, prices and documentation interfaces inspected. Lot certificates and stock are not verified.
- Sigma-Aldrich / Merck · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product checked October 3, 2026. Identity, listed assay methods, packages, market, prices and documentation interfaces inspected. Lot certificates and stock are not verified.
- FUJIFILM Wako · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product checked October 3, 2026. Identity, listed assay methods, packages, market, prices and documentation interfaces inspected. Lot certificates and stock are not verified.
- Methacrylic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Primary structural comparison. Practical interpretation does not establish suitability.
- Crotonic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Propionic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Acetic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Methacrylic Acid · dissociation references (opens new tab)
Only independently reviewed values are promoted into the comparison; no condition-free acidity ranking.
- OpenStax · Carboxylic-acid structure and properties (opens new tab)
General carboxylate resonance, acidity and structural interpretation; not authority for this acid’s quantitative constants.
- PubChem / HSDB · attributed physical references (opens new tab)
Conditions, isomer assignments, decomposition qualifiers and unresolved conflicts reviewed; no aggregate number treated as universal.
- ILO/WHO · ICSC 0688 (opens new tab)
Chemical-specific safety and physical context; exact-product SDS remains necessary.
- WHO · Acrylic acid, HSG 104 (opens new tab)
Sections 1.2 and 1.4: inhibitor-dependent handling and monomer/ester-precursor roles. Historical production quantities are not promoted.
Review limits
pKa: OMITTED. Compiled records report 4.25 and 4.26 at 25 °C without sufficient method, solvent and ionic-strength context in the retrieved entries. IUPAC records located by the common name instead concern acidity-function scales in aqueous sulfuric acid; those are not substituted for ordinary aqueous pKa. Inhibitor: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. 200 ppm MEHQ belongs to Sigma 147230 only. TCI names MEHQ without an amount; the Wako amount and identity remain unverified. Thermal state: VERIFIED. Liquid at 20 °C does not exclude freezing near 14 °C or the associated stabilizer segregation.
This informational prototype is not a supplier, quotation service, or endorsement of a product’s fitness for an application. Buyers should verify the applicable specification, certification, and regulatory requirements for their intended use.