Acetic Acid: Properties, Applications, and Safety

Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is a fundamental organic compound with a wide range of applications in industries, laboratories, and everyday life. Best known as the component that gives vinegar its characteristic sour taste and smell, acetic acid also plays a key role in chemical synthesis, food preservation, and textile processing.

What is Acetic Acid?

Acetic acid is a colorless, weak organic acid with a sharp, pungent odor. It is one of the simplest carboxylic acids, containing a methyl group attached to a carboxyl group.

Chemical Formula: CH₃COOH

Molecular Weight: 60.05 g/mol

CAS Number: 64-19-7

Other Names: Ethanoic acid, vinegar acid, E260 (food additive)

Grades of Acetic Acid

Glacial Acetic Acid – >99% pure, anhydrous form (freezing point: 16.6 °C)
Dilute Acetic Acid – 4–8% solutions, used as vinegar
Technical/Industrial Grade – Used in commercial and chemical processes
Food Grade – Approved for use in food and beverages (as E260)

Physical and Chemical Properties

Property	Value
Appearance	Colorless liquid
Odor	Strong, vinegar-like
Boiling Point	118.1 °C
Melting Point	16.6 °C (glacial acetic acid)
pKa	4.76
Solubility	Miscible with water, alcohol, ether
Acidity	Weak acid (partially dissociates in water)

Acetic acid is classified as a weak acid, meaning it does not fully dissociate in water, yet it is corrosive in concentrated forms.

Production Methods

1. Synthetic Routes

Methanol Carbonylation (Monsanto or Cativa process)
CH₃OH + CO → CH₃COOH

2. Biological Fermentation

Traditional method via aerobic fermentation of ethanol using Acetobacter species:
C₂H₅OH + O₂ → CH₃COOH + H₂O

Major Applications of Acetic Acid

1. Food and Beverage Industry

Used as vinegar (4–8% acetic acid) for flavoring, pickling, and preservation
Food additive (E260) for acidity regulation

2. Chemical Manufacturing

Precursor in the synthesis of:
- Acetic anhydride
- Vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) (used in plastics)
- Cellulose acetate (used in films and textiles)

3. Pharmaceuticals

Used in the production of aspirin, acetaminophen, and acetates

4. Textile Industry

Acts as a pH regulator during dyeing
Helps in fiber modification and desizing of fabrics

5. Cleaning and Descaling

Mild acidic cleaning agent for removing scale, rust, and mineral buildup

6. Laboratory Reagent

Commonly used buffering agent in biochemical and analytical experiments

Safety and Handling

Though considered a weak acid, concentrated acetic acid (especially glacial acetic acid) is corrosive and requires careful handling.

Health Hazards:

Skin/Eyes: Can cause burns and severe irritation
Inhalation: Vapors may irritate the nose and respiratory tract
Ingestion: Harmful in large amounts

Safety Measures:

Use gloves, goggles, and lab coats
Ensure adequate ventilation
Store in tightly closed containers, away from bases, oxidizers, and strong reducing agents

Environmental and Regulatory Aspects

Acetic acid is biodegradable and breaks down rapidly in the environment
Considered low environmental hazard in dilute form
Disposal must follow local chemical waste protocols for concentrated solutions

Conclusion

Acetic acid is a simple yet incredibly versatile compound, found in both kitchen pantries and industrial plants. From vinegar production to pharmaceuticals and polymers, its role is both widespread and essential. While it's relatively safe in dilute forms, concentrated solutions require proper safety measures due to their corrosive properties.

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Acetic Acid