Page 85 - Chemical and process design handbook

Speight_Part II_A 11/7/01 3:16 PM Page 2.26

2.26 MANUFACTURE OF CHEMICALS
2CH =CHCH + O → 2CH =CHCH=O
2
3
2
2
2CH =CHCHO + O → 2CH =CHCOOH
2
2
2
Another method of acrylic acid production is by the hydrolysis of
acrylonitrile:
+
CH =CH–CN + 2H O + H → CH =CH–COOH + NH 4 +
2
2
2
Acrylic acid and its salts are raw materials for an important range of
esters, including methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, and 2-
ethylhexyl acrylate. The acid and its esters are used in polyacrylic acid
and salts (including superabsorbent polymers, detergents, water treat-
ment chemicals, and dispersants), surface coatings, adhesives and
sealants, textiles, and plastic modifiers.