Acrylamide vs. Polyacrylamide — What's the Difference?

Acrylamide (or acrylic amide) is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH2=CHC(O)NH2. It is a white odorless solid, soluble in water and several organic solvents.

Polyacrylamide (abbreviated as PAM) is a polymer with the formula (-CH2CHCONH2-). It has a linear-chain structure.

A readily polymerized amide, C3H5NO, derived from acrylic acid and used in synthetic fibers and sewage treatment. It is a carcinogen and is present in some foods, especially starches and cereals that are cooked at high temperatures.

A synthetic resin made by polymerizing acrylamide, especially a water-soluble polymer used to form or stabilize gels and as a thickening or clarifying agent

(organic compound) The amide of acrylic acid, CH₂=CH.CONH₂; used in the manufacture of polyacrylamides.

A water-soluble white solid polyamide, (-CH2CHCONH2-), related to acrylic acid.

A white crystalline amide of propenoic acid can damage the nervous system and is carcinogenic in laboratory animals;

(organic compound) Any of a range of cross-linked polymers of acrylamide; used to form soft gels for making contact lenses etc.