Adipic Acid Overview
TCC's Adipic Acid is a mildly toxic, white, crystalline compound. The C6 straight-chain dicarboxylic acid is slightly soluble in water and soluble in alcohol and acetone. Nearly all commercial Adipic Acid is produced from cyclohexane.
Almost 90 percent of Adipic Acid produced is used in the production of nylon 66. The nylon, which has a protein-like structure, is further processed into fibers for applications in carpeting, automobile tire cord, and clothing. Adipic Acid is also used to manufacture plasticizers and lubricant components.
Food grade Adipic Acid is used as a gelling aid, an acidulant, and as a leavening and buffering agent.
TCC ships Adipic Acid throughout the continental United States with one (1) week lead time. Call (401) 423-3100 for details.
About Adipic Acid
Adipic Acid is an organic compound with the formula (CH2)4(COOH)2. It is the most important of the dicarboxylic acids from the industrial perspective. Approximately 2.5 billion kilograms of this white crystalline powder are produced annually, predominantly as a precursor for the production on nylon 66. Adipic Acid rarely occurs in nature.
Historically, Adipic Acid was prepared from various fats by oxidation. Currently, Adipic Acid is made from a mixture of cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol called "KA oil," the abbreviation of "ketone-alcohol oil." The KA oil is oxidized using nitric acid to produce Adipic Acid, via a multistep pathway. Early in the reaction, cyclohexane is converted to the ketone, which releases the nitrous acid.
Several methods have been developed by carbonylation of butadiene. For example, the hydrocarboxylation proceeds as follows:
CH2=CHCH=CH2 + 2CO + 2H2O —> HOOC(CH2)4COOH
A method has been reported that uses principles of green chemistry where water is the only by-product. Cyclohexene is oxidized with hydrogen peroxide using a tungstate-based catalyst and a phase transfer catalyst. Again, the only waste product is water.
Applications using Adipic Acid
The majority of the 2.5 billion kg of Adipic Acid produced annually is used as a monomer for the production of nylon by a polycondensation reaction with hexamethylene diamine forming 6,6-nylon. Other applications include some Polyurethanes. Esters of Adipic Acid, such as DOA (Di-2-Ethylhexyl Adipate) are used as plasticizers for PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) resins.
Adipic Acid has been incorporated into controlled-release tablets to obtain a pH-independent release for both weakly basic and weakly acidic drugs. It has also been incorporated into polymeric coatings of hydrophilic monolithic systems to modulate the pH, resulting in zero-order release of a hydrophilic drug.
In foods, small but significant amounts of Adipic Acid are used as a food ingredient as a flavorant and gelling aid. It is used in some calcium carbonate antacids to make them tart.
Product Specification - Adipic Acid
| Product | Adipic Acid |
| CAS Number | 124-04-9 |
| Molecular formula | C6H10O4 |
| Synonym | Hexanedioic Acid |
| Physical and Chemical Properties | |
| Physical Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Assay | ≥99.8% |
| Water content | ≤0.2%v |
| Hazen color value | ≤30 |
| Bulk density | approx. 700 g/l |
| Flash point | approx. 196°C |
| Boiling point | approx 330°C |
| Pour point | approx. 151°C |
| Iron | ≤0.4mg/kg |
| Ash | ≤5mg/kg |
The product tends to clump in the presence of moisture. When stored in sealed containers to prevent contact with moisture, the product will remain stable for at least two years.
Material Safety Data Sheet
1. Identification of the substance/preparation and the company
Adipic Acid
Application: Intermediate in the chemical industry (for the manufacture of binders or hardeners for coating materials or adhesives)
The Chemical Company
19 Narragansett Avenue
PO Box 436
Jamestown, RI 02835
Tel.: 401.423.3100
Fax: 401.423.3102
2. Composition/ information on ingredients Dicarboxylic acid
| Adipic Acid | ≥ 99.8 % |
| CAS No. | 124-04-9 |
| Hazard Symbol | Xi |
| R-Phrases | 36 |
| Index No. | 607-144-00-9 |
| EINECS No. | 204-673-3 |
3. Hazards identification Irritating to the eyes.
4. First-aid measure If the product contacts the eyes, rinse carefully and thoroughly with water and seek medical advice. In the eventof skin contact, wipe off mechanically and wash affected areas thoroughly with soap and plenty of water. In case of irritation of the respiratory tract or swallowing, consult a doctor.
5. Fire-fighting measures Extinguishing media: CO2, foam, dry powder; for larger fires, water spray should be used. Firemen must wear self−contained breathing apparatus. Do not allow contaminated extinguishing water to enter the soil, ground water or surface waters.
6. Accidental release measures Take up mechanically; fill into labeled, closable containers. Avoid formation of dust. For further disposal measures see chapter 13.
7. Handling and storage measures Keep container dry and tightly closed in a cool and well ventilated place. Further information on storage conditions, which must be observed to preserve quality, can be found in our product information sheet.
VCI Storage Class: 11
(VCI = German Association of the Chemical Industry) Ensure adequate ventilation or exhaust ventilation in the working area. Take measures to prevent dust formation; remove any dust with air extractors where it is formed. When handling observe the usual precautionary measures for chemicals.
Prevent formation of explosive dust−air mixtures. Take precautionary measures against static discharges.
8. Exposure controls/Personal Protection Wear suitable protective clothing, protective goggles and, if necessary, dust mask during work.
Suitable materials for safety gloves; DIN EN 374−3:
Polychloroprene − CR: thickness >=0,5mm; breakthrough time >=480min.
Nitrile rubber − NBR: thickness >=0,35mm; breakthrough time >=480min.
Butyl rubber − IIR: thickness >=0,5mm; breakthrough time >=480min.
Fluorinated rubber − FKM: thickness >=0,4mm; breakthrough time >=480min.
Polyvinyl chloride − PVC: thickness >=0,5mm; breakthrough time >=480min.
Recommendation: contaminated gloves should be disposed of.
Respiratory protection: In case of dust formation, particle filter, e.g. DIN 3181 P 2.
Avoid contact with skin and eyes and the inhalation of dust.
Change heavily soiled clothing. Keep away from foodstuffs, drinks and tobacco. Wash hands before breaks and at end of work. Keep working clothes separate.
9. Physical and chemical properties
| Form | solid, crystalline powder |
| Colour | colourless |
| Odour | odourless |
| Pour point | approx. 151 °C |
| Boiling point |
approx. 330 °C tested with DIN ISO 3016 (literature information) |
| Density | approx. 1.34 g/cm3 at 15 °C |
| Bulk density | approx. 700 g/l |
| Vapour pressure | approx. 0.1 mbar at 18,5 |
| Solubility in water |
approx. 15 g/l at 10°C (literature information) |
| In 2-methylpropan-2-ol | approx. 750 g/l at 80 °C |
| Partition coefficient | log P octanol/water 0 0.093 at 25 °C |
| PH value | approx. 1.8 at 20 g/l water |
| Flash point | approx. 196 °C tested w. DIN EN 22719 |
| Ignition temperature | approx. 407 °C tested with DIN 51794 |
| Explosive limits | lower: 11.7 % by vol. upper: 21.1 % by vol. |
| Remarks | The values for density and viscosity are guide values. Please see the product information sheet |
11. Toxicological information
Acute toxicity:
LD50 oral, rat: approx. 5560 mg/kg
LC50 inhalation (dust), rat: more than 7700 mg/m³ air, 4 h of exposure.
Acute inhalation risk, rat: none of the rats died during exposure for 8 h hours to air at 20 °C containing the vapourised product.
Skin and mucous membrane compatibility, rabbit:
Skin 20 hours exposure − non−irritant
Eyes − irritant
12. Ecological information
Eliminability from water:
| Degradation | Evaluation | Method of test | Method of analysis |
| Above 80% | Good Degradability | Closed bottle test | BOD determination |
| Above 90% | Easily Degradable | OECD-Screening Test (modified) | DOC-determining |
The product is readily biodegradable.
Acute toxicity for daphnia:
EC 50 on Daphnia magna: 86 mg/l. Duration of test: 48h
Acute fish toxicity:
LC0 on Leuciscus idus: 147 mg/l. Duration of test: 48h
LC50 on Leuciscus isud: above 500 mg/l at 48°C
13. Disposal considerations
The relevant EC Directives and local, regional and national regulations must be complied with.
May be incinerated in a suitable facility provided local regulations are observed.
For disposal within the EC, the appropriate code according to the European Waste Catalogue (EWC) should be used.
After final product withdrawal, all residues must be removed from containers (drip−free, powder−free or paste−free). Containers must be recycled in compliance with national legislation and environmental regulations.
14. Transport information
| GGVSE: -- | UN: NODG: -- |
| RID/ADR: -- | UN: NODG PG: -- |
| ADNR: -- | UN: NODG PG: -- |
| GGVSee/IMDG Code: -- | UN: NODG PG: -- MPO : -- |
| ICAO-TI/IATA-DGR: -- | UN: NRES PG: -- |
| Declaration for land shipment: -- | |
| Declaration for sea shipment: -- | |
| Declaration for shipment by air: -- | |
|
Other information: Not dangerous cargo. Irritating to skin and eyes. Keep separated from foodstuffs. |
|
15. Regulatory information
abelling as required by the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2002 (CHIP3), in accordance with EC Directives:
Symbol: Xi, hazard description: irritant
Adipic Acid
R 36: Irritating to the eyes.
Any existing national regulations on the handling of irritant or corrosive substances must be observed.
Not subject to the German Regulation on Flammable Liquids (VbF).
Water pollution class (WGK): 1 − slightly hazardous to water
WGK = Classification in accordance with the German Water Resources Act
16. Other information
All components of this product are listed in the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Substances (EINECS) under the provisions laid down in the corresponding EC−Directive.
Text of all R phrases referred to in Chapters 2 and 3:
R 36: Irritating to the eyes.
*d−3*
In accordance with EU Directives
Shipping & Ordering Information
TCC's Adipic Acid is available for shipping throughout the continental United States with one (1) week lead time. Please call (401) 423-3100 for details. Adipic Acid is available in 25kg bags, 500kg supersacks, 1,000kg supersacks, and in bulk pneumatic trucks.
Contact
The Chemical Company
19 Narragansett Avenue
Post Office Box 436
Jamestown, RI 02835-0436
| Telephone | (401) 423-3100 |
| FAX | (401) 423-3102 |
Robert N. Roach III "Robb"
President
Cell: (401) 864-3111
Email: robb@thechemco.com
©2010 The Chemical Company · The information on this site is believed to be accurate and represents the best information currently available to us. However, we make no warranty of merchantability or any other warranty, express or implied, with respect to such information, and we assume no liability resulting from its use. Users should make their own investigations to determine the suitability of the information for their particular purposes. In no event shall The Chemical Company be liable for any claims, losses, or damages of any third party or for lost profits or any special, indirect, incidental, consequential or exemplary damages, howsoever arising, even if The Chemical Company has been advised of the possibility of such damages.