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).

Description

Primary Uses 

  1. 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)
  2. Polyurethane Foams
    • Key components in flexible foams (mattresses, car seats) and coatings/adhesives.
  3. Food & Beverage Additive (E355)
    • Acidulant in gelatin, powdered drinks, and baking powders (imparts tartness).
    • pH adjuster in processed foods (regulated for safe consumption).
  4. Plasticizers
    • Used in PVC products (cables, flooring) to improve flexibility.
  5. Lubricants & Greases
    • Enhances thermal stability in synthetic lubricants.

Secondary Uses 

  1. Pharmaceuticals
    • Precursor for controlled-release drug formulations.
    • Used in antiseptic and antifungal creams.
  2. Cosmetics
    • pH adjuster in lotions and creams.
  3. Agriculture
    • Slow-release fertilizer coatings.
  4. Electronics
    • Etching agent in semiconductor manufacturing.
  5. 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