Glacial Acetic Acid: Properties, Uses, and Safety

Glacial acetic acid is the concentrated, water-free form of acetic acid, best known as the compound that gives vinegar its sour taste and pungent smell. In its pure state, glacial acetic acid is a versatile and widely used reagent in both industry and laboratory applications, valued for its reactivity, solvent properties, and preservative capabilities.

What is Glacial Acetic Acid?

Glacial acetic acid is the anhydrous (water-free) form of acetic acid (CH₃COOH). It is called "glacial" because it freezes just below room temperature (16.6°C), forming ice-like crystals at slightly cooler temperatures.

Chemical Formula: CH₃COOH

Molecular Weight: 60.05 g/mol

CAS Number: 64-19-7

Purity: ≥99–100% acetic acid

Synonyms: Ethanoic acid, Acetic acid (glacial), Anhydrous acetic acid

Physical and Chemical Properties

Property	Value
Appearance	Colorless, clear liquid or crystals
Odor	Strong, vinegar-like
Melting Point	16.6 °C (freezes to solid form)
Boiling Point	118.1 °C
Density	~1.049 g/cm³ at 20 °C
pKa	4.76 (weak acid)
Solubility	Miscible with water, alcohol, ether

Glacial acetic acid is corrosive and should not be confused with household vinegar, which typically contains only 4–8% acetic acid.

How is Glacial Acetic Acid Made?

Commercially, glacial acetic acid is produced by:

Carbonylation of methanol (Monsanto or Cativa process)
Oxidation of acetaldehyde or ethanol
Fermentation of biomass (used in food-grade acetic acid)

Once synthesized, water is removed through distillation or drying techniques to produce the glacial (anhydrous) form.

Key Industrial and Laboratory Applications

1. Chemical Manufacturing

Precursor in the production of acetic anhydride, acetate esters, and vinyl acetate monomer (VAM)
Used in esterification and acetylation reactions

2. Food Industry (in diluted form)

Serves as a preservative (E260) and acidity regulator
Found in vinegar, pickled products, and condiments

3. Textile and Dyeing Industry

Used to adjust pH during dyeing
Acts as a mordant in fabric treatment processes

4. Pharmaceuticals

Intermediate in the synthesis of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and other acetylated compounds

5. Laboratory Reagent

Common solvent in chromatography, titrations, and organic synthesis
Used to prepare buffer solutions and chemical standards

Safety and Handling

While glacial acetic acid is a weak acid chemically, it is still highly corrosive in concentrated form and should be handled with care.

Health Hazards:

Skin/Eyes: Causes severe burns and irritation
Inhalation: Vapors can irritate the respiratory tract
Ingestion: Harmful if swallowed; can cause internal damage

Precautions:

Wear gloves, goggles, lab coat, and face protection
Use in a well-ventilated area or fume hood
Store in corrosion-resistant containers (typically glass or HDPE)
Keep away from oxidizers, strong bases, and sources of ignition

Storage Guidelines

Store in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas
Protect from freezing and moisture
Avoid storage near reactive chemicals such as peroxides, strong bases, and nitrates

Environmental Considerations

Readily biodegradable and non-persistent in the environment
Spills should be neutralized with sodium bicarbonate or lime
Must be handled and disposed of according to local hazardous waste regulations

Conclusion

Glacial acetic acid is a critical industrial chemical with a wide array of applications in manufacturing, laboratories, textiles, and food preservation. Though it’s derived from a common household substance (vinegar), the pure form is much more reactive and hazardous. Proper handling, storage, and respect for its corrosive nature are essential when working with this powerful compound.

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