Itaconic acid

A naturally occurring organic compound

Structural formula of itaconic acid

Itaconic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound with the formula C₅H₆O₄. It is a white solid that is soluble in water and is used as a precursor to various polymers and resins. Itaconic acid is also known as methylenesuccinic acid.

Structure and properties

Itaconic acid is an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid. It has a carboxylic acid group at each end of the molecule and a methylenic group in the middle, which gives it its unsaturated character. The presence of the double bond in the methylene group makes itaconic acid reactive and useful in polymerization reactions.

Production

Itaconic acid is produced industrially by the fermentation of carbohydrates such as glucose using the fungus Aspergillus terreus. This biological process is favored due to its sustainability and the renewable nature of the raw materials used.

Applications

Itaconic acid is used in the production of polymers and resins. It is a monomer that can be polymerized to form polyitaconic acid or copolymerized with other monomers to create various copolymers. These materials are used in the manufacture of adhesives, coatings, and sealants.

Biological role

In addition to its industrial applications, itaconic acid is also found in nature as a metabolite in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) in some bacteria and fungi. It is involved in the metabolic pathways of these organisms and plays a role in their energy production processes.

Related pages

• Carboxylic acid
• Polymer
• Fermentation
• Aspergillus terreus