B2B Internet for Chemical products

The difference between acrylic acid and acrylic ester 

In the field of chemistry, the terms acrylic acid and acrylic ester are often encountered, and they have obvious differences in molecular structure, properties, and applications. The following will provide a detailed introduction to the differences between acrylic acid and acrylic ester

Acrylic Acid is a semi transparent liquid with an irritating odor. Its molecular structure contains a carboxyl COOH and an allyl CH2=CH, with the chemical formula C3H4O2. Acrylic acid has high reactivity and can be used to synthesize high molecular weight polymers such as polyacrylic acid and polyacrylamide, and is widely used in the preparation of various acrylic salts

In contrast, acrylic ester is a compound obtained by reacting acrylic acid with alcohols. The molecular structure of acrylic ester contains a carboxyl COOH and an ester ROCOCH=CH2, where R represents an alcohol molecule. The properties of acrylic esters depend on the type and molecular structure of alcohols, and common acrylic esters include methyl methacrylate, ethyl acrylate, etc

In terms of properties, acrylic acid is easier to polymerize and form high molecular weight polymers compared to acrylic acid esters, while acrylic acid esters are more difficult to polymerize under conventional conditions. Acrylates have low solubility and are soluble in non-polar solvents, making them suitable for applications in coatings, adhesives, inks, and other fields. In addition, acrylic esters also have excellent characteristics in terms of photosensitivity, weather resistance, etc

In terms of application, acrylic acid is mainly used to prepare various acrylic salts and is widely used in fields such as construction, textiles, plastics, medicine, etc. Acrylates are widely used in industrial fields such as coatings, adhesives, plastics, textiles, etc. Among them, methyl methacrylate is the most common acrylic ester, widely used in industries such as coatings, inks, adhesives, etc

In summary, acrylic acid and acrylic ester have significant differences in chemical structure, properties, and applications. Understanding these differences is of great significance for the rational selection and application of acrylic acid and acrylic esters.