Itaconic acid

I. Basic Characteristics

1. Chemical Nature

   • Systematic Name: Methylene succinic acid or itaconic acid, chemical formula C₅H₆O₄, containing an unsaturated double bond and two carboxyl groups, classified as an unsaturated dibasic organic acid.
   • Physical Properties:
     • White crystalline powder with a distinctive odor and hygroscopicity; melting point approximately 165–168°C;
     • Density 1.632 g/cm³, decomposes at boiling point; soluble in water, ethanol, and other organic solvents.
   • Chemical Properties:
     • Chemically reactive, capable of undergoing addition, esterification, and polymerization reactions (self-polymerization or copolymerization with acrylonitrile, styrene, etc.);
     • Prone to decomposition upon heating; may oxidize and deteriorate when exposed to light and air.

2. Production and Grading

   • Mainstream Process: Produced via microbial fermentation (using filamentous fungi, etc.) with purity ≥99%;
   • Industrial Grade Standards: Requires sealed, light-protected storage to prevent moisture absorption and caking.

II. Core Application Areas

1. Chemical and Material Synthesis

• Polymer Monomer:
  • Acts as a comonomer for acrylic fibers, improving dyeability and fiber strength, suitable for precursor preparation of carbon fibers;
  • Copolymerizes with styrene and butadiene to produce SBR latex, used in paper coatings and metal paints to enhance weather resistance and adhesion.
• Functional Derivatives:
  • Ester Synthesis: Used to produce plasticizers, lubricant additives, and dental adhesives (combined with polyvalent metal oxides);
  • Resin Modification: Copolymerizes with acrylates to form surface coating resins for leather, automotive paints, and electrophoretic coatings.

2. Daily Chemical and Environmental Products

• Deodorizer:
  • After adding natural substances to the polymer, it neutralizes malodorous compounds such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide through its double bond and carboxyl groups, used in deodorizing paper and plastic films;
• Daily Chemical Raw Materials:
  • Used in weakly acidic ion-exchange resins, cosmetic thickeners, and herbicides;
  • Serves as a pH regulator or acidulant (food grade).

3. Water Treatment and Cleaning Agents

• Descaling Agent:
  • Itaconic acid-acrylic acid copolymers effectively remove scale from industrial equipment (e.g., cooling systems) with a descaling rate of up to 90%;
  • Chelates metal ions to prevent boiler scaling.

4. Emerging Applications in Biomedicine

• Immunomodulation:
  • A metabolite in mammals that regulates anti-inflammatory responses in macrophages, with potential applications in treating sepsis and neurodegenerative diseases;
• Antitumor Research:
  • Slows cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation via the OXPHOS pathway in tumor cells.

III. Product Advantages and Precautions

• Advantages:
  • Renewable bio-based raw material with high reactivity and diverse derivatives;
  • Environmentally friendly, superior to some petroleum-based solvents (e.g., no heavy metal residues).
• Operational Risks:
  • Toxicity: Vapors irritate eyes and respiratory tract; airborne limits must be strictly controlled;
  • Stability: Avoid contact with oxidizers, high temperatures (>40°C), and iron containers (to prevent corrosion);
  • Storage: Store in a cool, dark, sealed environment with humidity <50%.

Note: Medical applications require further clinical validation; industrial-grade products must not be used directly on the human body.