Organic Acids
REACH
Acetic acid
CAS Number
64-19-7
EC Number
200-580-7
Chemical Formula
C2H4O2
Molecular Weight
60.05 g/mol
E Number
E260
FEMA Number
FEMA 2006
Abbreviation
AcOH
Form
liquid
Grade
technical, FCC, USP, BP, food
What is Acetic acid?
Acetic acid (CAS 64-19-7), commercially recognized as E260, is the primary organic acid used in food, pharmaceutical, and industrial manufacturing.
Where is Acetic acid used?
- Food and beverage: pH control, preservative and flavoring agent in condiments, pickles and sauces
- Pharmaceutical: buffering agent, reagent or solvent in active ingredient synthesis
- Textile and leather: dye bath pH regulator for fiber uptake and fixation
- Personal care: hair rinses and toners where controlled acidity affects cuticle conditioning and product stability
- It functions as an acidulant, pH regulator, preservative and solvent carrier depending on the sector.
Good to know: Glacial acetic acid, the concentrated and anhydrous form, is a distinct grade relevant to industrial and synthesis buyers.
Commercial specifications
- Liquid at concentrations typically 56% to 99.5%
- Bulk: IBC containers and road tankers
- Smaller drum quantities for laboratory and specialty use
Other Names (Synonyms)
methanecarboxylic acid|ethylic acid|ethoic acid|ethanoic acid|Vinegar acid|Acetic acid glacial|Glacial acetic acid|Acetasol|AcOH|E260
What are the physical properties of Acetic acid?
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
How is Acetic acid classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS05· Corrosive GHS07· Irritant GHS08· Health Hazard
Hazard Statements
H226 Flammable liquid and vapor
H303 May be harmful if swallowed
H312 Harmful in contact with skin
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Precautionary Statements
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Acetic acid?
HS Code 29152100
UN Number 1792
ADR Class 8
Packing Group II
Storage Class 3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany) 3