[Chemical Knowledge]：Adipic acid properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, adipic acid structure diagram

1. Adipic acid properties

Adipic acid (Adipic Acid), chemical formula for C6H10O4, is an important dicarboxylic acid. It is a white crystal at room temperature with a melting point of 152°C and a boiling point of 337.5°C. The solubility in water is large, and it has weak acidity when dissolved. Adipic acid has good chemical stability and is not easy to decompose at room temperature. It can with alcohols, amines and other compounds of esterification reaction, amidation reaction, the formation of the corresponding ester or amide. Due to these unique chemical properties, adipic acid is widely used in industry.

2. Adipic acid use

The main use of adipic acid is concentrated in the field of synthetic polymer materials. It is an important raw material for the production of nylon 66(Nylon 66), which is widely used in fibers, engineering plastics and films. Adipic acid is also used in the manufacture of polyurethanes, lubricants, plasticizers, and food additives. In the food industry, it is widely used as an acidulant and acidity regulator in products such as soft drinks, juices and jellies. In the pharmaceutical industry, adipic acid is used as a pharmaceutical intermediate, involved in the synthesis of a variety of drugs.

3. Upstream raw materials

Adipic acid is produced mainly by oxidation of benzene. Benzene is oxidized to cyclohexane and then further oxidized to form a mixture of cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol. These intermediates are further oxidized under the action of nitric acid, and finally adipic acid is formed. The whole process involves a multi-step oxidation reaction, and the main raw materials required include benzene, oxygen and nitric acid. Some catalysts may also be used in the production process to improve the reaction efficiency and yield.

4. Downstream products

The downstream products of adipic acid mainly include nylon 66, polyurethane foam, lubricants and plasticizers. Nylon 66 has excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance, and is widely used in the fields of fibers, engineering plastics, automotive parts and electronic appliances. Polyurethane foam is widely used in furniture, construction and automobile industries because of its good elasticity and thermal insulation properties. Lubricants and plasticizers play an important role in machining and plastic products to improve product performance and service life.

5. Adipic acid production process

There are two main processes for the production of adipic acid: one is the traditional cyclohexane oxidation method, and the other is the modern biosynthesis method. Cyclohexane oxidation is the most commonly used method in industry, mainly through chemical oxidation reaction. The law of biosynthesis uses the metabolic pathway of microorganisms to convert carbohydrates and other biomass raw materials into adipic acid, which has the advantages of environmental friendliness and sustainable development, but the current cost is high and has not been applied on a large scale.

6. Environmental Protection and Safety

There are some environmental and safety problems in the production of adipic acid. The main pollutants include nitrogen oxides (NOx) produced in the oxidation process and waste water and waste gas produced in the production process. In order to reduce pollution, enterprises need to take effective waste gas treatment and wastewater treatment measures. The nitric acid used in the production process is highly oxidizing and corrosive, and safety regulations must be strictly observed during operation to prevent leakage and accidents.

7. Adipic acid storage method

Adipic acid needs to be stored in a dry, cool, well-ventilated place, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment. Storage containers shall be sealed glass bottles, plastic drums or stainless steel drums to prevent moisture and contamination. During transportation, severe vibration and collision should be prevented to avoid damage and leakage. Keep away from strong oxidants, strong reductants and flammable materials to prevent chemical reactions or fires.

8. Market Prospects

With the growing global demand for high-performance materials, adipic acid market prospects. Especially in the automotive, construction, textile and other industries, the demand for nylon 66 and polyurethane foam will continue to increase, driving the market demand for adipic acid. With the increasing awareness of environmental protection, the development and application of bio-based adipic acid will also usher in new opportunities. The market competition is fierce, and enterprises need to continuously improve production technology, reduce costs, and improve product quality in order to occupy a favorable position in the market.

9. Technology Innovation and Development

In order to meet the market demand and environmental protection requirements, the production technology of adipic acid is constantly innovating and developing. The application of green chemistry and biotechnology is an important direction for future development. By improving reaction efficiency, optimizing process flow, and developing new catalysts, companies can reduce production costs and reduce environmental pollution. The research and promotion of biosynthesis also provides a new way for the sustainable production of adipic acid.

10. Conclusion

As an important chemical raw material, adipic acid is widely used in polymer materials, food additives, pharmaceutical intermediates and other fields. Its production involves multi-step complex chemical reactions, and has high requirements for raw materials, processes and environmental protection. With the advancement of technology and changes in market demand, the production and application of adipic acid will continue to develop. Enterprises need to improve their competitiveness and achieve sustainable development through technological innovation and process optimization.