Acetic Acid, also known as Ethanoic Acid, is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor and sour taste. It is one of the most widely used organic acids and serves as an important raw material and chemical intermediate in various industries.

Basic Information

• Product Name: Acetic Acid
• Synonyms: Ethanoic Acid, Acetic Acid Glacial
• CAS No.: 64-19-7
• Chemical Formula: C₂H₄O₂
• Molecular Weight: 60.05 g/mol
• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
• Odor: Characteristic pungent odor
• Melting Point: Approximately 16.6°C
• Boiling Point: Approximately 118.1°C
• Density: Approximately 1.05 g/cm³ at 20°C
• Solubility: Completely miscible with water and many organic solvents

Chemical Properties

Acetic acid is a weak organic acid that readily reacts with bases, carbonates, bicarbonates, and some metals. It is highly soluble in water and can also dissolve in many organic solvents.

When acetic acid is present at high concentrations, particularly in the form of glacial acetic acid, it is corrosive and should be handled with appropriate protective equipment and stored according to chemical safety requirements.

Applications of Acetic Acid

Acetic acid has a wide range of industrial applications and is commonly used as a raw material, solvent, and chemical intermediate.

1. Vinyl Acetate Monomer Production

One of the major applications of acetic acid is the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), which is used to manufacture polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, and various adhesives and coatings.

2. Acetate Production

Acetic acid is widely used to produce acetate compounds, including acetate esters and metal acetates. These products are used in solvents, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and other chemical applications.

3. Solvent and Chemical Intermediate

Acetic acid can be used as a solvent in chemical processing and as an intermediate for producing various organic chemicals.

4. Food and Pharmaceutical Industries

Diluted acetic acid is widely used in food applications as an acidity regulator and preservative component. It is also used in pharmaceutical and laboratory applications under appropriate purity specifications.

5. Textile and Chemical Industries

Acetic acid is used in textile processing, dyeing, chemical synthesis, and other industrial processes where pH adjustment or an acidic medium is required.

Storage and Handling

Acetic acid should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from heat, ignition sources, and incompatible substances. Concentrated or glacial acetic acid is corrosive and should be handled carefully with suitable protective equipment.

Proper packaging, transportation, and storage conditions should be selected according to the concentration, grade, and applicable regulations.

Conclusion

Acetic acid is an important basic chemical with extensive applications across the chemical, textile, pharmaceutical, food, coating, and manufacturing industries. With its versatile chemical properties and broad range of downstream applications, Acetic Acid (CAS No. 64-19-7) remains an important industrial chemical and chemical intermediate.