The word "acrylate" is spelled /ˈæk.rə.leɪt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "a" sound as in "cat", followed by a syllabic "r" sound. The second syllable starts with the short "uh" sound and ends with the long "aɪ" diphthong. The final syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound, followed by the voiceless "t" consonant. This spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of this chemical compound commonly used in the manufacturing of polymers and plastics.
Acrylate refers to a class of chemical compounds that belong to the ester family. Specifically, acrylates are esters derived from acrylic acid, which is a colorless liquid. Acrylic acid is composed of a propenoic acid (CH2=CHCOOH) functional group, also referred to as acrylic or vinyl carbonyl group, and has an unpleasant, pungent odor. Acrylates are produced through a reaction known as esterification, where alcohol reacts with an acid to yield an ester and water.
Acrylate compounds possess several notable characteristics. Firstly, they exhibit high reactivity, making them valuable in various industrial applications. This includes their use in the production of adhesives, coatings, plastics, textiles, and elastomers. Acrylates are known for their ability to polymerize easily, which means they can form long chains or networks, resulting in the formation of solid materials with desirable properties. Additionally, they provide excellent resistance against heat, impact, weathering, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
In terms of safety considerations, acrylates can be hazardous if not used properly. For instance, they may cause skin irritation or sensitization when in contact with the skin. Additionally, the vapors of acrylates may lead to eye and respiratory tract irritation. It is therefore crucial to follow appropriate safety precautions, such as wearing protective equipment, when handling or working with acrylates.
Overall, acrylates are versatile ester compounds derived from acrylic acid that offer an array of commercial applications due to their reactivity, polymerization properties, and resistance to various environmental factors.
The word "acrylate" is derived from "acrylic", which ultimately comes from the Latin word "ācrus", meaning "sharp" or "pungent". The "ācrus" is further derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*h₂eḱr̥-", which denotes sharpness or piercing. In the mid-19th century, the term "acrylic acid" was coined to refer to a compound obtained from acrolein, which was derived from glycerol. Later, the suffix "-ate" was added to signify the salt or ester of acrylic acid, hence "acrylate".