Acetic Acid
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Acetic Acid: A Versatile Organic Compound with Wide Industrial and Household Applications

Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is an important organic acid with the chemical formula CH₃COOH. It is widely recognized for giving vinegar its sour taste and pungent smell. While diluted acetic acid is commonly used in the food industry, glacial acetic acid (purity ≥99%) is a concentrated and industrial-grade form used across multiple sectors including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, plastics, and agriculture.

Due to its high reactivity, solvent properties, and biodegradability, acetic acid has become an indispensable chemical in both industrial and laboratory settings. It plays a central role in organic synthesis and is also used as a raw material or intermediate for producing a wide range of compounds.

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Description

🔬 Specifications of Acetic Acid

 

Property Specification
Chemical Name Acetic Acid
IUPAC Name Ethanoic Acid
Chemical Formula CH₃COOH
CAS Number 64-19-7
Purity ≥ 99.8% (Glacial Acetic Acid)
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid
Odor Pungent, vinegar-like
Density @ 20°C 1.049 g/cm³
Boiling Point 118°C (244°F)
Melting Point 16.6°C (Glacial form solidifies)
Solubility Miscible with water, ethanol, ether
Packaging 30–200 kg drums, IBC tanks, bulk loads
Shelf Life Up to 2 years in sealed containers

🏭 Applications of Acetic Acid

1. Chemical Manufacturing

Acetic acid is a precursor to key industrial chemicals such as:

  • Acetic anhydride

  • Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM)

  • Terephthalic acid for PET plastic

These compounds are essential in manufacturing plastics, synthetic fibers, films, and adhesives.

2. Food Industry

In diluted form, acetic acid (usually 4–8%) is used as vinegar and as a food preservative (E260). It helps inhibit bacterial growth and adds flavor to various food products.

3. Pharmaceuticals

Used in the synthesis of aspirin, acetaminophen, and other medicines. It also acts as a pH regulator and antibacterial agent in some formulations.

4. Textile and Dyeing

Acetic acid is used to maintain the pH level in dye baths and as a mordant to fix dyes on fabrics, especially in wool and silk processing.

5. Agriculture

It serves as a herbicide and pH regulator in fertilizers and pesticide formulations.

✅ Benefits of Acetic Acid

  • ✔️ Versatile — applicable in food, chemical, textile, and pharmaceutical industries

  • ✔️ Cost-effective — widely available and affordable

  • ✔️ Eco-friendly — biodegradable and breaks down into non-toxic components

  • ✔️ Strong solvent — excellent at dissolving both polar and non-polar substances

  • ✔️ Regulatory approved — safe for food and pharmaceutical use in diluted forms

⚠️ Safety and Handling

Though naturally occurring in vinegar, concentrated acetic acid (glacial form) is corrosive and must be handled with care:

  • Use gloves, goggles, and protective clothing

  • Ensure adequate ventilation in workspaces

  • Avoid contact with skin and eyes — causes burns and irritation

  • In case of spill, neutralize with sodium bicarbonate and wash with plenty of water

📌 Conclusion

Acetic acid is a critical chemical in both industrial and consumer applications, known for its reactivity, biodegradability, and cost-efficiency. From acting as a key raw material in plastics to a natural preservative in food, acetic acid continues to prove its value across countless sectors.

Its versatility, availability, and eco-friendly nature make it a staple ingredient in modern chemistry and industry.

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