Acrylic acid, one of the simplest unsaturated carboxylic acids, has the vinyl group located at the α-carbon (prop-2-enoic acid). It is a colorless and clear liquid with a characteristic smell. Acrylic acid along with its salts and esters (acrylates) are key basic materials for the superabsorbent, adhesive, and paint/surface coating industries. Materials based on acrylic acid or its derivatives have transparency, good adhesion, elasticity, and stability with respect to air and moderate heat. 
Conventionally, acrylic acid is manufactured by a catalytic two-step gas-phase oxidation of propylene with a total worldwide productivity of more than five million tons per year. One main disadvantage of this route is the total dependency on non-renewable fossil resources.