Itaconic acid

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(Redirected from Itaconate)

Organic compound used in the production of synthetic resins


Itaconic acid
IUPAC Name: 2-Methylidenebutanedioic acid
Other Names: Methylenesuccinic acid
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem 2048
ChemSpider 1968
SMILES C=C(C(=O)O)CC(=O)O
InChI 1S/C5H6O4/c6-4(7)2-1-3-5(8)9/h1-2H2,(H,6,7)(H,8,9)
InChIKey KJXVUZOKDWTXBL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
StdInChI
StdInChIKey
Properties
Chemical formula C5H6NO4
Appearance White crystalline solid
Density 1.573 g/cm³
Melting Point 165-168 °C
Boiling Point 268 °C
Solubility Soluble in water
Hazards
Main Hazards Irritant
Flash Point
Autoignition Temperature


Itaconic acid is an organic compound with the IUPAC name 2-methylidenebutanedioic acid. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and is primarily used in the production of synthetic resins.

Production[edit | edit source]

Itaconic acid is produced industrially by the fermentation of carbohydrates such as glucose using the fungus Aspergillus terreus. This process is considered to be more environmentally friendly compared to traditional petrochemical methods.

Applications[edit | edit source]

Itaconic acid is used in the manufacture of various products, including:

It is also used as a building block for the synthesis of other chemicals, such as methyl methacrylate and ethyl acrylate.

Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]

Itaconic acid has the chemical formula C₅H₆O₄ and a molecular weight of 130.10 g/mol. It has a melting point of 165-168 °C and a boiling point of 268 °C. The compound is known for its ability to polymerize, making it useful in the production of polymers and copolymers.

Biological Role[edit | edit source]

In addition to its industrial applications, itaconic acid has been found to play a role in the immune system. It is produced by macrophages during inflammation and has been shown to have antimicrobial properties.

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

See Also[edit | edit source]


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