CAS Number:
64-19-7
Product Name:
Acetic Acid
Chemical Family / IUPAC Name:
Ethanoic Acid, Carboxylic acid.
EC Number:
200-580-7
Common Form:
Clear, colorless liquid with a pungent, characteristic vinegar-like odor.
Uses:
Acetic acid is a fundamental organic acid with a vast range of applications from food to heavy industry, primarily due to its properties as a solvent, acidulant, and chemical intermediate.
Primary Function and Applications:
· Primary Function: Acidulant, pH adjuster, solvent, and chemical feedstock.
· Key Benefit: Versatile weak acid that can act as a reagent, preservative, and cleaning agent.
· Typical Applications:
· Industrial: Primary feedstock for the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) (for paints, adhesives), acetic anhydride (for cellulose acetate), and esters (solvents).
· Food Industry: As vinegar (typically 4-8% solution) for flavoring, pickling, and preservation.
· Household & Cleaning: Key component in descaling agents and household cleaning solutions.
· Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic: Used as a solvent and pH adjustment agent in various formulations and synthesis processes.
What Acetic Acid do in a formulation?
- Acidulant & pH Control: Lowers and stabilizes the pH in food, cosmetic, and chemical products.
- Chemical Synthesis: Serves as a precursor for a wide array of more complex chemicals (esters, anhydrides, amides).
- Solvent: Effective solvent for many organic compounds and some inorganic salts
- Preservative: In its diluted form (vinegar), it creates an acidic environment that inhibits microbial growth
Safety Profile:
· Safety Note: Concentration is critical. Glacial acetic acid (≥99%) is highly corrosive and flammable.
· Signal Word: Danger.
· Hazard Statements: H226 (Flammable liquid and vapor), H314 (Causes severe skin burns and eye damage).
· Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, well-ventilated area in approved, corrosion-resistant containers. Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
· Shelf Life: Stable under recommended storage conditions. Hygroscopic; will absorb water from air, which can dilute it over time.
Technical profile:
| Property | Values |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Odor | Pungent, vinegar-like |
| Concentration | ≥99.0% (Glacial grade) |
| Molecular Weight | 60.05 g/mol |
| Density | ~1.049 g/cm³ at 25°C |
| Melting Point | 16.6 °C (can solidify in cold conditions) |
| Boiling Point | 118.1 °C |
| Flash Point | 39 °C (Closed cup) – Flammable |
| pH (1.0 M solution) | ~2.4 |
| Autoignition Temperature | 426 °C |