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 form. It is widely used in various industries due to its versatile properties.
Uses of Acetic Acid
Acetic acid has a broad range of applications, including but not limited to:
- Food Industry: Used as a preservative and flavoring agent in food products, particularly in pickling.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Serves as a precursor for the production of various chemicals, including acetic anhydride, acetate esters, and synthetic fibers.
- Pharmaceuticals: Utilized in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical compounds and as a solvent in drug formulations.
- Textile Industry: Employed in the production of synthetic fibers like rayon and as a dyeing agent.
- Cleaning Products: Acts as a natural cleaning agent due to its antibacterial properties.
- Agriculture: Used in herbicides and as a pH regulator in soil.
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 | 39.0 °C (102.2 °F) |
| Viscosity | 1.2 mPa·s (20 °C) |
| Storage Conditions | Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and incompatible materials. |
Summary
Acetic acid is a vital chemical compound with diverse applications across various industries. Its unique properties make it an essential ingredient in food preservation, chemical synthesis, and many other fields. Understanding its technical data is crucial for safe handling and effective utilization in industrial processes.