Sodium acrylate
[CAS# 7446-81-3]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Carboxylic compounds and derivatives >> Salt of carboxylic acid ester and its derivatives
• Name: Sodium acrylate
• Synonyms: 2-Propenoic acid sodium salt; Acrylic acid sodium salt
• Molecular Formula: C₃H₃NaO₂
• Molecular Weight: 94.04
• CAS Registry Number: 7446-81-3
• EC Number: 231-209-7
• SMILES: C=CC(=O)[O-].[Na+]

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS05 Warning
• Risk Statements: H400-H411
• Safety Statements: P273-P391-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335

Discovery and Applications

Sodium acrylate was originally synthesized and identified as a derivative of acrylic acid, a simple organic compound characterized by an unsaturated carboxylic acid structure. Acrylic acid itself was discovered in the mid-19th century, but its sodium salt, sodium acrylate, later rose to prominence with advances in organic chemistry and polymer science.

Chemically, sodium acrylate has the molecular formula C3H3NaO2 and belongs to the family of acrylates, which can be polymerized into polymeric materials with a variety of properties. It consists of a vinyl group (C=C double bond) adjacent to a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) and a sodium ion, and is readily soluble in water, allowing it to be used in aqueous solutions and polymer formulations.

The industrial applications of sodium acrylate are wide-ranging and significant. Its primary use is as a key ingredient in the production of super absorbent polymers (SAPs). These SAPs are key ingredients in disposable diapers, adult incontinence products, and feminine hygiene products, where they absorb and retain large amounts of liquids for increased comfort.

In the textile industry, sodium acrylate polymers are used as additives in fabric softeners and laundry detergents to improve the softness and texture of fabrics by reducing static cling and increasing water absorption. Sodium acrylate-based polymers also help improve the durability and wrinkle resistance of textiles, making them a popular choice for garment finishing.

Sodium acrylate is useful in water treatment processes because of its ability to form stable complexes with metal ions and its water solubility. It is used as a dispersant and scale inhibitor in cooling water systems, boiler water treatment, and municipal water systems, helping to prevent scaling and improve water quality.

In personal care products and cosmetics, sodium acrylate polymers are used as thickeners, stabilizers, and film formers. They enhance the viscosity and stability of lotions, creams, and hair care formulations, improving their spreadability and shelf life. Sodium acrylate derivatives also help improve the sensory attributes of skin care products, giving them a smooth, silky feel during application.

From an environmental perspective, sodium acrylate and its derivatives are safe when used in controlled conditions. Efforts continue to optimize production processes, minimize environmental impact, and ensure compliance with strict regulatory standards regarding chemical safety and disposal.

References

2016. Superabsorbent hydrogels via graft polymerization of acrylic acid from chitosan-cellulose hybrid and their potential in controlled release of soil nutrients. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 89.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.04.071

2020. Plasma Polymerization of Acrylic Acid for the Tunable Synthesis of Glassy and Carboxylated Nanoparticles. The journal of physical chemistry. B, 124(7).
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b08960

2024. Effective removal of malachite green dye by eco-friendly pectin-grafted poly(acrylamide-co-sodium acrylate) hydrogel from aqueous solutions. Polymer Bulletin, 81(15).
DOI: 10.1007/s00289-024-05502-8