The friendly side of Chemistry!

Figure 1: Jell-O image, featuring the adipic acid flavour added to the treat (5). 

Source: SF Gate. What foods contain Adipic acid? http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/foods-contain-adipic-acid-2051.html. (Accessed February 13, 2018).

In today's world we're surrounded by numerous chemicals that we unknowingly use. Have we ever wondered what these chemicals may be silently doing once they are ingested in our bodies by various means? Exactly! We tend to be so busy with jobs, schools, and family issues that we are often unaware of the properties of chemical compounds. It is always wise to know about chemicals that are naturally-friendly and rarely cause problems when used.

While we tend to focus on the bad side of chemicals we should try to be aware and take advantage of the beneficial chemicals. One of these chemicals is adipic acid. This acid itself may not sound very known but it does all the underlying work for the production of the products we use everyday! Isn’t that awesome? Adipic acid is the precursor of the making of nylon that is used to make everything we love using from fluffy socks, fancy carpets, footwear, fancy tops, to home decors (1). Adipic acid in its pure form is also very useful, for example the tart flavour we love in Jell-O or the sour flavour in antacid tablets that makes them edible comes from adipic acid too (2). This process involves a type of oil called 'KA' that includes two functional groups reacting alcohol and ketone with the help of an acid to make adipic acid (3).

 Overall, the global market is expected to reach 8 billion pounds of adipic acid production by 2022 (4). Further research has shown an increase in demand for nylon which requires more adipic acid (4). There is also a lot of ongoing competition between the major producers of adipic acid which will ultimately increase the value of the chemical (4).  Lets take advantage of this amazing organic acid we have!

References:

1. Barnes, Korry. Adipic Acid: Formula, structure, and properties. https://study.com/academy/lesson/adipic-acid-formula-structure-properties.html (Accessed February 3, 2018)

2. Barnes, Korry. Adipic Acid: Uses and Hazrads. https://study.com/academy/lesson/adipic-acid-uses-hazards.html. (Accessed February 3, 2018) 

3. United states department of labour. Occupational safety and health administration. https://www.osha.gov/dts/chemicalsampling/data/CH_217325.html (Accessed February 3, 2018). Adipic Acid

4. Infographic image. http://www.strategyr.com/MarketResearch/Infograhics_Images/MCP-2006/2006.jpg  (Accessed February 3, 2018). 

5. SF Gate. What foods contain Adipic acid? http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/foods-contain-adipic-acid-2051.html. (Accessed February 13, 2018).