Acetic Acid
Product Description
Acetic acid, a colorless liquid organic compound, is one of the simplest carboxylic acids. It is an important chemical reagent and industrial chemical.
Product:
Acetic Acid
CAS:
64-19-7
Synonym:
Ethanoic acid; Glacial acetic acid
Structure:
Typical Characteristics
Appearance
Clear colorless liquid
Boiling point
117 - 118 °C
Density
1.049 g/cm3
Melting point
16.2 °C
Molecular Weight
60.05
Odor
Sour, vinegar-like odor
Purity
≥ 99.5%
Refractive index
1.371
Uses, Applications & Markets
Key applications
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Acetic Acid used in many
industry applications
Acetic acid, a colorless liquid organic compound, finds various industrial applications owing to its unique properties. Here's a list of some of its industrial uses:
- Chemical Synthesis: Acetic acid is widely used as a precursor or intermediate in the production of various chemicals, including vinyl acetate, acetic anhydride, and esters, which are utilized in the manufacture of plastics, adhesives, and pharmaceuticals.
- Food Industry: It serves as a preservative, flavoring agent, and pH regulator in the food industry, where it is used in the production of vinegar, pickles, condiments, and salad dressings.
- Textile Industry: Acetic acid is employed in the textile industry as a dyeing assistant and finishing agent to improve dye uptake, color fastness, and fabric softness.
- Chemical Reagent: It is utilized as a reagent and solvent in various chemical reactions and laboratory procedures, including acid-base titrations, esterification reactions, and organic synthesis.
- Surface Cleaning: Acetic acid solutions are used as cleaning agents in household, industrial, and commercial settings to remove mineral deposits, rust, and scale from surfaces, equipment, and plumbing fixtures.
- Pharmaceuticals: It is employed in the pharmaceutical industry as a solvent, excipient, and pH adjuster in the formulation of medications, ointments, and topical solutions.
- Photography: Acetic acid is used in certain photographic processes as a component of developer solutions and fixer solutions for developing and fixing black and white films and prints.
- Plastics Manufacturing: It serves as a catalyst and solvent in the production of cellulose acetate, a thermoplastic polymer used in the manufacture of films, fibers, and packaging materials.
- Desiccants: Acetic acid is employed as a desiccant in laboratory and industrial settings to absorb moisture and maintain dry conditions during chemical reactions and storage of hygroscopic materials.
- Adhesives and Sealants: It is used as a solvent and additive in the formulation of adhesives, sealants, and coatings to improve viscosity, adhesion, and curing properties.
- Leather Industry: Acetic acid is utilized in the leather industry as a tanning agent and pH regulator to convert raw hides into finished leather products.
- Biotechnology: It is employed in biotechnological applications, such as DNA extraction and protein purification, as a denaturant and buffer solution.