Acrylic acid is a colorless liquid that has a strong and pungent odor. It is an organic compound that is widely used in the manufacturing of various products such as adhesives, coatings, and plastics. In this article, we will discuss the definition and meaning of acrylic acid, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Acrylic acid is an unsaturated organic acid that has the chemical formula C3H4O2. It is a highly reactive compound that readily polymerizes and forms a wide range of products. Acrylic acid is also known as propenoic acid.
Origin
Acrylic acid was first synthesized in 1843 by the German chemist August Wilhelm von Hofmann. He obtained it by the oxidation of propylene glycol. Later, in 1877, the French chemist Charles Moureu discovered a new method of synthesizing acrylic acid by the oxidation of acrolein.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, acrylic acid is defined as “a colorless liquid unsaturated acid C3H4O2 used especially in making synthetic resins and as a polymerizable monomer.”
The Oxford English dictionary defines acrylic acid as “a colorless liquid organic acid used in the manufacture of plastics, synthetic fibers, and coatings.”
Associations
Acrylic acid is commonly associated with the manufacturing of various products such as adhesives, coatings, and plastics. It is also used in the production of superabsorbent polymers, which are used in disposable diapers and other absorbent products.
Synonyms
Some of the synonyms of acrylic acid include propenoic acid, ethylenecarboxylic acid, and vinylformic acid.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms of acrylic acid as it is a specific chemical compound.
The same root words
Acrylic acid is derived from the root word “acryl,” which is a shortened form of “acrylic resin.” Acrylic resin is a type of plastic that is made from acrylic acid.
Example Sentences
- The adhesives used in the construction industry often contain acrylic acid.
- The production of superabsorbent polymers involves the use of acrylic acid.
- Acrylic acid is a highly reactive compound that readily polymerizes.