Acetic Acid

Product Description

Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is a clear, colorless liquid with the chemical formula CH3COOH.

Chemical Composition: Acetic acid consists of two carbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. It is a carboxylic acid with a single functional group composed of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH).

Acidity: Acetic acid is a weak acid with a pKa value of around 4.75, meaning it only partially dissociates into its ions (acetate ions and hydrogen ions) in aqueous solution.

Vinegar: Acetic acid is the main component of vinegar, which is produced through fermentation of sugars by acetic acid bacteria. Vinegar typically contains around 4-8% acetic acid.

Industrial Production: It is produced on a large scale through various methods, including the methanol carbonylation process and the fermentation of sugars followed by chemical synthesis.

Uses:

Food Industry: Acetic acid is widely used as a food additive and flavoring agent. It's a key ingredient in condiments, pickles, salad dressings, and marinades.

Chemical Industry: It's used in the manufacture of various chemicals, including vinyl acetate, acetic anhydride, and esters, which are important in the production of plastics, solvents, and pharmaceuticals.

Household Cleaning: Diluted acetic acid solutions, such as vinegar, are commonly used as eco-friendly household cleaners due to their mild acidity and antibacterial properties.

Laboratory: It's used in laboratories as a reagent and solvent for various chemical reactions and processes.

Physical Properties:

Acetic acid has a distinctive pungent odor, often described as vinegar-like.

It's soluble in water and many organic solvents.

It has a boiling point of around 118C and freezes at 16.6C.

Safety: Acetic acid is generally considered safe for its intended uses, but concentrated acetic acid can be corrosive and should be handled with care. Inhalation of vapors or exposure to skin and eyes can cause irritation or burns.