Acetic Acid

Acetic Acid

Chemical Formula: CH₃COOH
CAS Number: 64-19-7
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a pungent vinegar-like odor.

Key Features

• Highly corrosive and acidic (pH ~2.4 at 1.0 M concentration).

• Miscible with water, alcohol, and ether.

• Widely used in chemical synthesis, food industry, and pharmaceuticals.

• Acts as a solvent, reagent, and preservative.

• Flammable and volatile, requiring careful handling.

Applications

1. Chemical Manufacturing:

• Used as a raw material in the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) and acetic anhydride.

• Acts as a solvent in the production of terephthalic acid (PTA) and other chemicals.

2. Food Industry:

• Used as a food additive (E260) for flavoring and preservation.

• Acts as a pH regulator and acidulant in beverages, condiments, and baked goods.

3. Pharmaceuticals:

• Used in the synthesis of aspirin, antibiotics, and other drugs.

• Acts as a solvent and reagent in pharmaceutical formulations.

4. Other Applications:

• Used in textile dyeing and printing as a pH adjuster.

• Acts as a cleaning agent and descaler in household and industrial settings.

Safety and Handling

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and incompatible materials.

• Safety: Wear protective equipment (e.g., gloves, masks, goggles) during handling to avoid inhalation and direct contact with skin and eyes.

• Transport: Transport in accordance with hazardous chemical transportation regulations.