Adipic acid, or more formally hexanedioic acid, is a white crystalline solid at a temperature of 152 degrees. This compound is one of the most important monomers in the polymer industry. It is obtained from various oils by oxidation. It is rarely found in nature.
It is mainly found in beets and sugarcane, but about 2,5 million tons are produced annually as a commodity. The most common production process today is nitric acid oxidation of a cyclohexanol-cyclohexanone mixture called ketone-alcohol oil. Almost all adipic acid is used in the production of nylon. Adipic acid is actually one of the starting materials used in the preparation of nylon. Nylon production is not possible without adipic acid. Nylon finds use in many applications, including fibers, plastics, filaments and food packaging materials.
Nylon has a protein-like structure and is further converted into fibers for applications in carpet, tire cord and clothing. Adipic acid is also used to produce plasticizers and lubricating components, and in the manufacture of other polymers such as polyurethanes. Food grade adipic acid is used as gelling aid, acidifier and leavening and buffering agent.
The downside to using nitric acid to produce adipic acid is that it is produced and released into the atmosphere along with copious amounts of nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas. In recent years, a process using ozone and ultraviolet (UV) light has been applied to oxidize ketone-alcohol oil to adipic acid. This method eliminates the production of nitrous oxide, but before the process can be used commercially, this method needs to be made a little more feasible.
Only about 10 percent of the adipic acid produced is used in food and beverages. Adipic acid is often added to bottled beverages as the main acid, giving them a bubbly gas. It also adds a sour taste to juice and gelatin. This organic acid is used in many powdered food and beverage mixes to provide a sweet flavor.
However, adipic acid poses a serious threat to the environment and precautions must be taken to prevent its spread.
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