Itaconic Acid, Acid Itaconic, Methylene Succinic Acid, Methylidene Butanedioic Acid, 97-65-4

Itaconic Acid, Acid Itaconic, Methylene Succinic Acid, Methylidene Butanedioic Acid, 97-65-4

Itaconic acid, also known as methylenesuccinic acid, is an organic compound with the formula C₅H₆O₄. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and several organic solvents. Itaconic acid is classified as a dicarboxylic acid due to its two carboxyl groups.

Physical and Chemical Properties:

• Molecular Formula: C₅H₆O₄

• Molecular Weight: 130.10 g/mol

• Appearance: White crystalline solid

• Density: 1.63 g/cm³

• Melting Point: 162-164°C (decomposes)

• Solubility: Soluble in water and ethanol

Uses:

• Polymer Industry: Used in the production of synthetic resins and plastics.

• Textile Industry: Used in the manufacture of textile fibers.

• Pharmaceuticals: Used in the production of certain medications.

• Agriculture: Used as a component in the production of herbicides and pesticides.

Other Names:

• Methylenesuccinic acid

• 2-Methylenesuccinic acid

• 1-Propene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid

• Methylidenebutanedioic acid

•  

  The most commonly used alternative names for Itaconic Acid (CAS 97‑65‑4) are:

• Methylenesuccinic acid

• Methylidene succinic acid

• 2‑Methylenesuccinic acid

• Methylidenebutanedioic acid

• 1‑Propene‑2,3‑dicarboxylic acid

• Acid Itaconic

• Methylenesuccinate

Polymerization (Acrylics, SBR, Latex)

• Purpose: Provides water resistance, adhesion, flexibility, and chemical durability.

• Usage ratio:

  • Acrylic copolymer formulations: 2–5 mol% as co‑monomer.

  • Latex binders: 1–3 wt% additive.

• Sample recipe:

  • Butyl acrylate (60%) + Methyl methacrylate (35%) + Itaconic acid (5%).

  • Emulsion polymerization at pH 4.5–5.0 ensures stability.

🔹 Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP)

• Purpose: Modifies crosslinking structure to increase water retention capacity.

• Usage ratio:

  • SAP production: 0.5–2 mol% as crosslinking modifier.

• Sample recipe:

  • Sodium polyacrylate backbone + 1% itaconic acid → gel water retention improves by 10–15%.

🔹 Paints and Coatings

• Purpose: Enhances adhesion and alkali resistance on concrete, metal, and paper surfaces.

• Usage ratio:

  • Coating resins: 2–4 wt% additive.

• Sample recipe:

  • Styrene‑acrylic copolymer (95%) + Itaconic acid (5%).

  • Used in exterior paints to improve alkali resistance and reduce cracking.

🔹 Adhesives

• Purpose: Improves tack and flexibility in pressure‑sensitive adhesives (PSA).

• Usage ratio:

  • PSA formulations: 1–3 wt% additive.

• Sample recipe:

  • Acrylic ester (97%) + Itaconic acid (3%).

  • Delivers VOC‑compliant, low‑migration adhesives.

🔹 Water Treatment & Metal Chemicals

• Purpose: Corrosion inhibition and chelation.

• Usage ratio:

  • Water systems: 50–200 ppm additive.

• Sample recipe:

  • Phosphonate + Itaconic acid (100 ppm) → effective corrosion inhibition.

📌 Summary

• Technical necessity: In polymers, SAP, coatings, and adhesives, itaconic acid is practically indispensable for performance.

• Typical ratios: 1–5% in polymer systems, 0.5–2% in SAP, ppm levels in water treatment.

• Formulations: Copolymer blends, SAP gels, exterior paints, PSA adhesives, and corrosion inhibitors all rely on itaconic acid for enhanced properties.

📊 Sectoral Suitability Table

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Technical necessity: In polymers, SAP, coatings, and adhesives, itaconic acid is practically indispensable.

• Typical ratios: 1–5% in polymer systems, 0.5–2% in SAP, ppm levels in water treatment.

• Compliance: REACH, SDS, migration/VOC tests depending on sector.