The primary use of acrylic acid is in the production of acrylic esters and resins, which are used primarily in coatings and adhesives. It is also used in oil treatment chemicals, detergent intermediates, water treatment chemicals, and water absorbent polyacrylic acid polymers.
Acrylic acid is an organic molecule and the simplest of the unsaturated acids. At room temperature, acrylic acid is a liquid and has a characteristic acid and tart aroma. It is corrosive in liquid and vapor forms. Acrylic acid is used mainly in the formation of polymers. Its uses include plastics, coatings, adhesives, elastomers, paints, and polishes. Additionally, acrylic acid is used in the production of hygienic medical products, detergents, and wastewater treatment chemicals. The low toxicity of acrylic acid is due to its corrosive nature. Studies have suggested that acrylic acid poses some reproductive hazards; however, conflicting data exist regarding the genotoxicity of acrylic acid.