Acrylic Acid

1Identification

Name

Acrylic Acid

IUPAC name

prop-2-enoic acid

CAS number

79-10-7

EC number

201-177-9

Molecular formula

C3H4O2

Molecular weight

72.06 g/mol

InChIKey

NIXOWILDQLNWCW-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C=CC(=O)O

PubChem CID

6581

Synonyms

ACRYLIC ACID, 2-Propenoic acid, prop-2-enoic acid, Propenoic acid, Vinylformic acid, Acroleic acid, Ethylenecarboxylic acid, Propene acid, Glacial acrylic acid, Kyselina akrylova, Acrylic acid, glacial, Acide acrylique, Acido acrilio, RefChem:6780

Recommended uses

• Acrylic acid is used in the manufacture of plastics, in latex applications, in floor polish, in polymer solutions for coatings applications, emulsion polymers, paint formulations, leather finishings, and paper coatings. Acrylic acid is also used as a chemical intermediate.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Acrylic acid is used to manufacture acrylic resins and acrylates for leather coatings, paints, and adhesives. [ACGIH]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Used in the manufacture of plastics, molding powder for signs, construction units, decorative emblems and insignias, polymer solutions for coatings applications, emulsion polymers, paints formulations, leather finishings, and paper coatings; ... also used in medicine and dentistry for dental plates, artificial teeth, and orthopedic cement.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Plasticizer Cleaning agent Filler Intermediate Anti-scaling agent Pigment Polymerization promoter Dispersing agent Binder Other Wrinkle resisting agent Monomers Chemical reaction regulator
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Monomers Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Adhesion/cohesion promoter
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Description

• Acrylic acid is a colorless liquid with a distinctive acrid odor. Flash point 130 °F. Boiling point 286 °F. Freezing point 53 °F. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Prolonged exposure to fire or heat can cause polymerization. If polymerization takes place in a closed container, violent rupture may occur. The inhibitor (usually hydroquinone) greatly reduces the tendency to polymerize.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Acrylic acid is a alpha,beta-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid that is ethene substituted by a carboxy group. It has a role as a metabolite. It is a conjugate acid of an acrylate.
  ChEBI
• A α,β-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid that is ethene substituted by a carboxy group.
  DrugBank

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS05, GHS07, GHS09

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

6 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 2 - Materials that readily undergo violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• May burn skin or eyes upon short contact. INHALATION: eye and nasal irritation and lacrimation. INGESTION: may cause severe damage to the gastrointestinal tract. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · May cause toxic effects if inhaled or ingested. · Contact with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. · Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. · Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. · Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Fire hazards

• Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic vapors are generated when heated Behavior in Fire: May polymerize and explode (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• · Flammable/combustible material. · May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. · Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. · Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. · Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). · Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. · Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. · Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. · Containers may explode when heated. · Many liquids will float on water.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• Flammable. Many reactions may cause fire or explosion. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Above 48 °C explosive vapour/air mixtures may be formed.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Acrylic acid is used in the manufacture of plastics, paint formulations, and other products. Exposure occurs primarily in the workplace. It is a strong irritant to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes in humans. No information is available on the reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of acrylic acid in humans. Animal cancer studies have reported both positive and negative results. EPA has not classified acrylic acid for carcinogenicity.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Liquid causes second degree burns after contact for a few minutes. [CHRIS] Can cause pulmonary edema after heavy inhalation exposure; [ICSC] [Daecke C, et al. Contact urticaria from acrylic acid in Fixomull tape. Contact Dermatitis. 1993 Oct;29(4):216-7. No abstract available.] Corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] Acrylic acid, stabilized (UN2218) has warning of explosive polymerization; [ERG 2016]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• (General first aid procedures) Eye: Irrigate immediately - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: Water flush immediately - If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention promptly. Breathing: Respiratory support Swallow: Medical attention immediately - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. Pain. Serious skin burns.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain. Corneal damage.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide. Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary. Use water spray to cool unopened containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If a fire occurs in or close to a tank farm containing acrylic acid, tanks and pipes should be cooled by spraying with water in order to prevent the acid from polymerizing.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. - Carbon oxides
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 132 [Flammable Liquids - Corrosive; polymerization hazard]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Immediate precautionary measure · Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. Spill · For highlighted materials: see Table 1 - Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances. · For non-highlighted materials: increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. Fire · If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Spill cleanup

• Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wastewater containing acrylic monomers is treated by neutralization and polymerization using hydrogen peroxide as a catalyst. Thus, propylene oxidn wastewater containing 2.75% acrylic acid and 45.1 g chemical oxygen demand/L was heated to 90 degree C, and a 70% aq soln of hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide - acrylic acid ratio 1:4) was added. After stirring 3 hr, powdered lime was added to pH 8.75. The precipitate was filtered out, and the treated effluent contained 16.2 g chemical oxygen demand/L, a reduction of 64%.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Sizing agents in wastewater are eliminated by either chemical and physical, or biological treatment. Polyacrylates ... in wastewaters are treated by coagulation-flocculation with removal rates of 83.8. ... Natural products, such as maize starch and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) treated through activated sludge show chemical oxygen demand removal rates > 80 and 42%; biological oxygen demand removal rates > 92.7 and 46.0%, respectively.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Separated from strong oxidants, strong bases, strong acids and food and feedstuffs. Keep in the dark. Store only if stabilized. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Storage conditions may vary according to the type of inhibitor used. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper storage conditions.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Acrylic acid should be stored in a detached, cool, well-ventilated, non-combustible place, and its containers should be protected against physical damage. Acrylic acid can be stored only in vessels lined with glass, stainless steel, aluminum, or polyethylene. In order to inhibit polymerization during transport and storage, 200 ppm MeHQ (the monomethyl ether of hydroquinone) is commonly added to acrylic acid by the manufacturer. The presence of oxygen is required for the inhibitor to be effective. A major concern during the storage of acrylic acid is the avoidance of elevated temperatures as well as freezing, since both can lead to a failure of the inhibitor system.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Separate from oxidizing materials, peroxides, initiators, acids, and alkalies. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Outside or detached storage is preferred.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The effectiveness of phenolic inhibitors is dependent on the presence of oxygen and the monomers must be stored under air rather than an inert atmosphere. Temp must be kept low to minimize formation of peroxides and other products. ... Acrylic acid has a relatively high freezing point (13 °C) and the inhibitor may not be distributed uniformly between phases when frozen acid is partially thawed. ... Provisions should be made to maintain the acid liquid. High temp should be avoided because of dimer formation. ... Glacial acrylic acid should be stored at 16-29 °C to maintain high quality. ... Acrylic acid ...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Acrylic acid: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Protection required for safe handling of acrylic acid and esters commonly includes use of impervious gloves, shoe soles, and clothing ... .
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• Important additional information about respirator selection
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• ACRYLIC ACID may polymerize violently especially when the frozen acid is partially thawed (freezing point 12 °C or 53 °F). Frozen acid should be melted at room temperature and the process should be well stirred. Do not use heat during the melting process [Kirk-Othmer, 3rd ed., Vol. 1, 1978, p. 330]. Corrodes iron and steel and polymerization may occur on contact with iron salts. The uninhibited acid polymerizes exothermically at ambient temperature and explodes if confined. The inhibitor (usually hydroquinone) greatly reduces the tendency to polymerize. Explosive polymerization can also occur with strong bases, amines, ammonia, oleum, chlorosulfonic acid, and peroxides.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Flammable. Soluble in water. The presence of water, due to different solubilities of the acid and inhibitor (partitioning one from the other), may initiate polymerization.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• React readily with electrophilic, free-radical, and nucleophilic agent
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Acrylic acid is a strong corrosive agent to many metals, such as unalloyed steel, copper, and brass. Frequently the hydrolysis of such metallic materials generates a deep discoloration in acrylic acid. Polyvalent metal salts formed during hydrolytic reactions could also induce polymerization. Therefore, under no circumstances should acrylic acid be stored or transported with equipment which contains the above-mentioned metals. Acrylic acid does not affect stainless steel.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents, Strong bases, Oxygen, Polymerizing initiators, Peroxides
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Stable under recommended storage conditions. Contains the following stabilizer(s): Mequinol (>/=0.018 - </=0.02%)
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Developmental Nervous Respiratory
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
• Eyes, skin, respiratory system
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is corrosive to the eyes and skin. Corrosive on ingestion. The vapour is severely irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The substance may have effects on the upper respiratory tract and lungs. This may result in reduced lung function and hyperreactivity of the airways.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U008, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Burn in approved incinerator. Recommendable methods: Incineration. Not recommendable methods: Landfill and evaporation. Peer-review: Small amounts: Dissolve in large amounts of water and wash down sewer. (Peer-review conclusions of an IRPTC expert consultation (May 1985))
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 2218

Shipping name

• UN 2218; Acrylic acid, stabilized
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• IMO 8; Acrylic acid, stabilized
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Acroleic acid, stabilized
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Marine pollutant
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Acrylic acid, stabilized
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Corrosive Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Subsidiary Risks: 3; UN Pack Group: II
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 2218 132P
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• 2218 132P(inhibited)
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Acrylic acid is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV.D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• A testing consent order is in effect for acrylic acid for health effects testing. Federal Register Publication Date: 3/4/92.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• U008; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when acrylic acid, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Homopolymers and copolymers of acrylic acid are indirect food additives for use only a component of adhesives.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 6581 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.