Acetic Acid: Chemical Product Description, Uses & Technical Data
Product Description
Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is a colorless liquid organic compound with a pungent smell and a sour taste. It is a key component of vinegar, which contains about 4-8% acetic acid by volume. Acetic acid is a weak acid, but it is highly corrosive in concentrated forms. It is widely used in various industries due to its versatile properties.
Uses of Acetic Acid
Acetic acid has a wide range of applications across different sectors, including:
- Food Industry: Used as a preservative and flavoring agent in food products.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Serves as a precursor for the production of various chemicals, including acetic anhydride, acetate esters, and synthetic fibers.
- Textile Industry: Utilized in dyeing and finishing processes.
- Pharmaceuticals: Acts as a solvent and reagent in the synthesis of various drugs.
- Household Products: Commonly found in cleaning agents and descaling solutions.
- Agriculture: Used as a herbicide and in the production of agricultural chemicals.
Technical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C₂H₄O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 60.05 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Pungent, vinegar-like |
| Boiling Point | 118.1 °C (244.6 °F) |
| Melting Point | 16.6 °C (61.88 °F) |
| Density | 1.049 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in Water | Miscible |
| pH (1M solution) | 2.4 |
| Flash Point | 39.5 °C (103.1 °F) |
| Viscosity | 1.2 mPa·s (20 °C) |
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry place away from light and incompatible materials. |
Summary
Acetic acid is a vital chemical compound with numerous applications in various industries. Its unique properties make it an essential ingredient in food preservation, chemical synthesis, and many household products. Understanding its technical data is crucial for safe handling and effective utilization in industrial processes.