Acrylonitrile is produced commercially by propylene ammoxidation, in which propylene, ammonia, and air are reacted by catalysts in a fluidized bed. Acrylonitrile is used primarily as a co-monomer in the production of acrylic, modacrylicfibres, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and styrene acrylonitrile. It is used in the production of plastics, surface coatings, nitrile elastomers, barrier resins, and adhesives. It is also a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of various antioxidants, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and surface-active agents.