Acrylamide

acrylamide, also called 2-propenamide, ethylenecarboxamide, or acrylic amide, a white, odourless, crystalline substance belonging to the family of organic compounds; its molecular formula is C₃H₅NO. Acrylamide is produced as a result of industrial processes and is generated in certain foods as a result of cooking at high temperatures. Because acrylamide is neurotoxic and is listed as a probable carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) in humans, its presence in many processed foods has been a source of public health concern.