Acetic Acid

Cas No: 64-19-7            
EINESC No: 200-580-7
Molecular weight: 60,05 g/mol  

Chemical Formula: C3H4O2 
Chemical Structure:

Physical Properties

General Properties: Colorless liquid

Odor: Strong, similar to vinagar

Intensity: 1.049 g/cm3

Boiling point: 119 °C

Melting point: 17 °C

Flash point: 40 °C

Vapor pressure: 11,9 mmHg (20 °C)

Refraction index: 1,371 VD

Solubility (aqueous) completely miscible

General Properties

Acetic Acid or ethanoic acid is a weak organic acid. It is the second simplest carboxylic acid and consists of a methyl group. It is also known as vinegar acid as it gives vinegar its sour taste and strong scent. It can be acquired both organically and synthetically.

Producton

As mentioned above, acetic acid can be acqiured from organic ways or through bacteria fermentation. 75% of industrially-used acid is produced by carbonising of methanol. If it is produced by fermentaon, it is advised to be produced biologically due to the fact that acetic acid is not produced synthetically because of legislations. Aside from these, it is also produced by oxidising acetyldehyde and ethylene.

Applications

Acetic acid is one of the fundamental compounds of vinegar. It is used by 4% in vinegar and 18% in pickle production as it can prevent micro-organism from growing. It is also a commonly used food additive.

However, this portion of its function is not its main purpose. Its main purpose is production of vinyl acetate to be generally used in wood glue production.

Acetic acid is largely used as a solvent, as well. It is a good solvent for reactions that contain carbocation. It is used as solvent for raw materials in plastic production. This usage forms 10% of its general use. Aside from this, its esters are used in ink, dye and coating businesses.

It is also largely used as both antiseptic and diagnose & treatment of cancer in medical fields. Its most common use is in cervical cancer diagnosis. Acid, in prepared solution, is appled to cervical area and, if a white area appears, the test is positive.

Safety Measures and Toxic Values

It is extremely irritant for skin. Its steam may cause serios skin, eye and airway problems. Long-term exposure must be avoided. It can drastically change blood pH. Acetic acid’s danger level depends on its concentration. There is an EU classification list regarding this concentration informations. It may cause permanent eye injuries upon contact.