Acetic acid

Basic Information

CAS: 64-19-7

HS: 29152119

Appearance, Odor, State: Colorless transparent liquid with an acetic acid odor

Toxicity: Non-toxic

Flammability: Flammable

Density: 1.05

Volatility: Highly volatile

Corrosiveness: Highly corrosive

Boiling Point: 117.9°C

Decomposition: Resistant to decomposition

Melting Point: 16.6°C

Acidity/Alkalinity: Acidic

Hygroscopicity: Hygroscopic

Autoignition Temperature: 463°C

Flash point: 39°C

Solubility: Soluble in water, ethanol, diethyl ether, carbon tetrachloride, glycerol, and other organic solvents. Solidifies into ice-like crystals at low temperatures, commonly known as glacial acetic acid. Volume expands during solidification, potentially causing container rupture.

Application

Acetic acid is one of the most important organic acids.

1. It is primarily used in the production of vinyl acetate, acetic anhydride, acetate esters, and cellulose acetate, among others.

2. Acetic acid can also be used to synthesize acetic anhydride, diethyl malonate, ethyl acetoacetate, halogenated acetic acids, and other compounds. It is also employed in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals such as aspirin and in the production of acetate salts.

3. It finds extensive applications in the production of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, dyes, photographic chemicals, textile printing and dyeing, and the rubber industry.

4. In the food industry, acetic acid serves as an acidulant, flavor enhancer, and flavoring agent. For vinegar production, it is diluted with water to a 4–5% concentration and blended with various seasonings to create edible vinegar.

5. Acetic acid functions as a preservative.