Adipic acid

A dicarboxylic acid used in the production of nylon and other polymers

Adipic acid is an important industrial dicarboxylic acid with the formula (CH_)_(COOH)_. It is primarily used as a precursor for the production of nylon and other polymers.

Structure and properties

Adipic acid is a white crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water and soluble in alcohol and acetone. It has a melting point of 152 °C and a boiling point of 337.5 °C. The compound consists of a six-carbon chain with carboxylic acid groups at each end, making it a linear aliphatic dicarboxylic acid.

Structural formula of adipic acid

Production

Adipic acid is produced on a large scale, with an annual production of several million tonnes. The most common method of production is the oxidation of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone with nitric acid. This process involves the formation of a nitrolic acid intermediate, which is then hydrolyzed to form adipic acid.

Applications

The primary use of adipic acid is in the production of nylon 6,6, a type of polyamide used in the manufacture of fibers for textiles and carpets, as well as in the production of plastic parts and films. Adipic acid is also used as a monomer in the production of polyurethanes and as a plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Environmental impact

The production of adipic acid is associated with the emission of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. Efforts are being made to reduce these emissions through improved production processes and the development of alternative methods for adipic acid synthesis.

Related pages

• Nylon
• Dicarboxylic acid
• Polyamide
• Greenhouse gas

Gallery

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  Ball-and-stick model of adipic acid
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  Adipate ion

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  Adipic acid structure
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  Adipic acid molecule ball model
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  Adipate ion structure