Acetic acid
CAS 64-19-7
EC 200-580-7
Formula C2H4O2
MW 60.05 g/mol
Organic Acids Food & NutritionPersonal Care & CosmeticsPharmaceuticals & HealthcareTextile, Leather & Paper pH Regulation & BufferingPreservation & BiocideFlavoring & AcidulantSolvent & CarrierCatalysis
Description
Acetic acid (CAS 64-19-7, E 260) is a short-chain organic acid produced commercially via methanol carbonylation or fermentation. It is the primary acidic component of vinegar and is also referenced under the synonym ethoic acid. Glacial acetic acid denotes the anhydrous, 99%+ concentrated form.
In food and beverage manufacturing, acetic acid functions as an acidulant and preservative by lowering pH to levels that inhibit microbial growth, particularly against bacteria and molds. In textile and leather processing, it acts as a pH buffer in dyebath formulations, controlling fiber uptake of reactive dyes. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a catalyst and solvent in synthesis and extraction steps.
Acetic acid is available in food-grade (FCC), pharmaceutical-grade (Ph.Eur.), and technical grades, supplied as glacial (99%) or aqueous solutions of varying concentrations. It carries E 260 approval under EU food additive regulations and is registered under REACH. Standard packaging includes IBC containers, drums, and bulk tanker delivery.
In food and beverage manufacturing, acetic acid functions as an acidulant and preservative by lowering pH to levels that inhibit microbial growth, particularly against bacteria and molds. In textile and leather processing, it acts as a pH buffer in dyebath formulations, controlling fiber uptake of reactive dyes. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a catalyst and solvent in synthesis and extraction steps.
Acetic acid is available in food-grade (FCC), pharmaceutical-grade (Ph.Eur.), and technical grades, supplied as glacial (99%) or aqueous solutions of varying concentrations. It carries E 260 approval under EU food additive regulations and is registered under REACH. Standard packaging includes IBC containers, drums, and bulk tanker delivery.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 16.6 °C |
| Boiling Point | 117.9 °C |
| Density | 1.0446 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C |
| Flash Point | 104 °F |
| Appearance | Description: Acetic acid is a colorless liquid or crystals with a sour, vinegar-like odor. Pure compound is a solid below 17 C. Often used in an aqueous solution. Glacial acetic acid contains 99% acid. |
| Color | colorless |
| Odor | Strong, pungent, vinegar-like odor detectable at 0.2 to 1.0 ppm |
| Form | Solution |
| Water Solubility | miscible |
| Vapor Pressure | 11.4 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.371(lit.) |
| pH | 2.5 (50g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | -0.170 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS02 GHS05 GHS07 GHS08
H
H226H303H312H314H318H334H370H371
P
P210P233P240P241P242P243P260P264P270P271P280P284P316P317P321P363P403P405P501P264+P265P301+P317P302+P352P304+P340P308+P316P342+P316P362+P364P370+P378P403+P235P301+P330+P331P302+P361+P354P303+P361+P353P305+P354+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29152100 |
| UN Number | 1792 |
| ADR Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Storage Class | 3 - Flammable liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
ethoic acidethylic acidethanoic acidAcOHE 260Aci-JelCHLOROIODIDEIODOCHLORIDE
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Raw Materials
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