Adipic Acid

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Adipic acid is a white, crystalline dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula C₆H₁₀O₄. It is primarily used as a key raw material in the production of nylon 6,6 and also finds applications in plasticizers, polyurethanes, lubricants, and food additives (as an acidity regulator, E355).

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Categories: Acidulants, Builders, Monomers, Plasticizers, Sealants and Adhesives Tags: Adhesives and sealants, Adipic acid, Plasticizer manufacturing, Resin and coating additive

Description

Table of Contents

Primary Uses

Nylon 6,6 Production
- The #1 industrial use (~90% of global adipic acid).
- Reacts with hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) to form Nylon 6,6, used in:
  - Textiles (clothing, carpets)
  - Engineering plastics (car parts, electronics)
  - Industrial fibers (ropes, tire cords)
Polyurethane Foams
- Key components in flexible foams (mattresses, car seats) and coatings/adhesives.
Food & Beverage Additive (E355)
- Acidulant in gelatin, powdered drinks, and baking powders (imparts tartness).
- pH adjuster in processed foods (regulated for safe consumption).
Plasticizers
- Used in PVC products (cables, flooring) to improve flexibility.
Lubricants & Greases
- Enhances thermal stability in synthetic lubricants.

Secondary Uses

Pharmaceuticals
- Precursor for controlled-release drug formulations.
- Used in antiseptic and antifungal creams.
Cosmetics
- pH adjuster in lotions and creams.
Agriculture
- Slow-release fertilizer coatings.
Electronics
- Etching agent in semiconductor manufacturing.
Military & Explosives
- Historical use in ammonium adipate propellants (less common today).

PRODUCT KEY ATTRIBUTES

. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Hexanedioic acid
Common/Trade Names:
- Adipic acid
- 1,4-Butanedicarboxylic acid
- AA (abbreviation)
CAS Number: [124-04-9]
HS Code: 2917.12.00 (Acyclic polycarboxylic acids)
Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀O₄
Synonyms:
- Acifloctin
- Adilactetten
- Hexane-1,6-dioic acid

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: White crystalline powder
Color & Odor: White; odorless
Melting Point: 152–154°C (305–309°F)
Boiling Point: 337°C (639°F) (decomposes)
Density: 1.36 g/cm³ (at 25°C)
Solubility:
- Water: 14 g/L (20°C), highly soluble in hot water
- Organic solvents: Soluble in ethanol, acetone; slightly soluble in ether
pH Level: ~3.5 (0.1% solution, acidic)
Vapor Pressure: <0.1 mmHg (20°C)
Flash Point: 196°C (385°F) (closed cup)
Autoignition Temperature: 420°C (788°F)
Viscosity: N/A (solid)
Refractive Index: 1.428 (20°C)

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS):
- Skin Irritation (Category 2)
- Eye Irritation (Category 2A)
- Not flammable or explosive
NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: 5 mg/m³ (total dust)
- ACGIH TLV: 5 mg/m³ (inhalable particles)
Reactivity:
- Stable under normal conditions
- Reacts with strong oxidizers (e.g., peroxides, chlorates)
- Forms salts with bases

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions:
- Cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Keep away from oxidizers and moisture
Incompatible Materials:
- Strong bases (e.g., NaOH)
- Strong oxidizers (e.g., nitric acid)
Container Type:
- Polyethylene-lined bags or fiber drums
- Stainless steel for bulk storage
Shelf Life: Indefinite if stored properly
Special Handling:
- Use dust masks (NIOSH N95) to avoid inhalation
- Wear gloves and goggles to prevent irritation

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Regulatory Status:
- FDA (USA): Approved for food use (21 CFR 184.1009)
- EU: Food additive E355
- REACH: Registered
Hazard Symbols (GHS):
- Exclamation mark (irritant)
Transportation Restrictions:
- Not classified as hazardous (non-regulated)
- UN number: None required
Waste Disposal:
- Incinerate or dispose in licensed landfills
- Neutralize with base if required

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity:
- LC50 (fish): >100 mg/L (low toxicity)
- EC50 (daphnia): >100 mg/L
Persistence in Environment:
- Readily biodegradable (>60% in 28 days, OECD 301B)
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- IARC: Not classified
- NTP: Not listed
- OSHA: No carcinogenic effects
Biodegradability:
- Degrades in water/soil (half-life: days to weeks)

SAFETY HANDLING

Safety precautions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Gloves: Nitrile or neoprene
Eye Protection: Chemical splash goggles
Respiratory: N95 dust mask (for powder handling)
Clothing: Lab coat or protective apron

Handling & Storage:

Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Keep containers tightly closed
Avoid contact with strong oxidizers (risk of violent reaction)
Ground equipment to prevent static discharge

Hygiene Practices:

No eating/drinking in handling areas
Wash hands thoroughly after use
Provide emergency eyewash station

2. First Aid Measures

Skin Contact:

Remove contaminated clothing
Wash with soap and water for 15 minutes
Seek medical attention if irritation persists

Eye Contact:

Flush with lukewarm water for 15-20 minutes
Hold eyelids open during rinsing
Seek immediate medical attention

Inhalation:

Move to fresh air
Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult
Get medical help if symptoms persist

Ingestion:

Rinse mouth with water
Drink milk or water to dilute
Do NOT induce vomiting
Seek medical attention

3. Firefighting Measures

Fire Characteristics:

Combustible solid (powder form)
Decomposes at >230°C releasing irritating fumes
Forms explosive dust-air mixtures

Extinguishing Media:

Water spray
Dry chemical powder
CO₂
Alcohol-resistant foam

Special Precautions:

Wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
Cool containers with water spray
Prevent dust cloud formation

4. Spill Management

Small Spills:

Wear appropriate PPE
Sweep up carefully (avoid raising dust)
Place in sealed container

Large Spills:

Dampen with water to control dust
Use non-sparking tools for cleanup
Prevent entry into drains/waterways

Disposal:

Dispose as non-hazardous waste (unless contaminated)
Follow local regulations