Acrylonitrile

Definition

Acrylonitrile is a colorless, volatile organic compound with the chemical formula CH2=CHCN. It is an important industrial chemical used in the production of various polymers and copolymers, finding applications in a wide range of industries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acrylonitrile is a key monomer used in the production of various chain-growth polymers, such as polyacrylonitrile, acrylic resins, and nitrile rubbers.
2. The polymerization of acrylonitrile is an example of an addition reaction, where the double bond of the monomer is broken, and the monomers are added to the growing polymer chain.
3. Acrylonitrile-based polymers are known for their excellent chemical resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical properties, making them suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
4. The industrial preparation of acrylonitrile typically involves the catalytic oxidation of propylene, a process that is important in the production of alkenes.
5. Acrylonitrile-based polymers, such as polyacrylonitrile, are widely used in the manufacture of acrylic fibers, which are commonly used in textiles, carpets, and other consumer products.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of acrylonitrile in the industrial preparation and use of alkenes.
  • Acrylonitrile is an important industrial chemical that is produced through the catalytic oxidation of propylene, which is a type of alkene. This process is a key step in the industrial preparation of alkenes, as it provides a source of the necessary monomers for the production of various alkene-based polymers and copolymers. Additionally, the unique properties of acrylonitrile, such as its chemical resistance and thermal stability, make it a valuable building block for the synthesis of a wide range of industrial and consumer products.
• Describe the significance of acrylonitrile in the context of chain-growth polymers.
  • Acrylonitrile is a crucial monomer used in the production of chain-growth polymers, such as polyacrylonitrile. The polymerization of acrylonitrile involves an addition reaction, where the carbon-carbon double bond is broken, and the monomers are successively added to the growing polymer chain. This process results in the formation of polymers with desirable properties, including chemical resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical strength. The widespread use of acrylonitrile-based polymers in various industries, such as textiles, plastics, and carbon fiber production, underscores the importance of acrylonitrile in the context of chain-growth polymerization.
• Analyze the relationship between the industrial preparation of alkenes and the production of acrylonitrile-based polymers, and evaluate the significance of this connection in the broader context of organic chemistry and polymer science.
  • The industrial preparation of alkenes, such as propylene, is closely linked to the production of acrylonitrile, as the catalytic oxidation of propylene is a key step in the synthesis of acrylonitrile. This connection is significant because acrylonitrile is a crucial monomer used in the polymerization of chain-growth polymers, which have a wide range of industrial and consumer applications. The ability to efficiently produce alkenes and then convert them into acrylonitrile demonstrates the versatility of organic chemistry and the importance of understanding the relationships between different chemical processes. Furthermore, the production of acrylonitrile-based polymers, which exhibit desirable properties like chemical resistance and thermal stability, highlights the importance of polymer science in developing materials that can meet the demands of modern industries. The interplay between the industrial preparation of alkenes and the synthesis of acrylonitrile-based polymers exemplifies the interdisciplinary nature of organic chemistry and polymer science, and the crucial role they play in driving technological and industrial advancements.

Related terms

Alkenes:

Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons with a carbon-carbon double bond, which gives them unique chemical reactivity and properties.

Chain-Growth Polymers: Chain-growth polymers are formed through the addition polymerization of monomers, where the polymer chain grows by the successive addition of monomers.

Polyacrylonitrile: Polyacrylonitrile is a synthetic polymer produced by the polymerization of acrylonitrile, which is widely used in the manufacture of acrylic fibers, plastics, and carbon fibers.