Substance profile
Adipic Acid
Adipic Acid is monoclinic prisms from ethyl acetate, water, or acetone and petroleum ether and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Adipic Acid is
Adipic Acid is monoclinic prisms from ethyl acetate, water, or acetone and petroleum ether and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C6H10O4 and its molecular weight is 146.14 g/mol. It boils at 338 °C, melts at 152 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation. |
Precautionary statements: P264, P280, P305, P313, P337, P338
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Adipic Acid properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 337.5 °C (639.5 °F) | at 760 mmHg | HSDB |
| 338 °C (640.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 265 °C (509 °F) | at 100 mmHg (reduced pressure) | HMDB | |
| Melting point | 151.5 °C (304.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| 151.11 °C (304 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 152 °C (305.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 0.64 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 1.36 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 1.36 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | In water, 160 g/100 mL boiling water | HSDB | |
| In water, 0.633/100 parts (wt/wt) ether at 19 °C | at 19 °C | HSDB | |
| Vapor pressure | 2.265e-7 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
| 0.075 mmHg | at 18.5 °C | ICSC | |
| Flash point | 196.11 °C (385 °F) | HSDB | |
| 191.11 °C (376 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| 196 °C (384.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Autoignition temperature | 420 °C (788 °F) | HSDB | |
| 422 °C (791.6 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | In air: (dust) 10-15 mg/l | HSDB | |
| Dust may form explosive mixture with air. | HSDB | ||
| The principal hazard in the handling of adipic acid is the danger of dust explosions. Minimum explosive concentration (dust) is 0.010-0.015 g/L. | HSDB | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 10 to 15 mg/l (dust) (USCG, 1999) | CAMEO | |
| 10-15 mg/l (dust) | OSHA | ||
| Vapor density | 5.04 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | Aqueous solutions of adipic acid are corrosive. | HSDB | |
| Corrosion rate for ASTM grade 2 Titanium: 0.0 mm/yr at 232 °C for 67% (wt) concn. | at 232 °C | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Adipic Acid
Storage conditions
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Storage class (TRGS 510): Non Combustible Solids.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Adipic Acid in the storage compatibility matrix →