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; raw material for manufacturing pharmaceuticals such as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), synthetic caffeine, certain vitamins, and hormones.
• 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.
• Used in the manufacture of acetic anhydride.
• Raw material for manufacturing solvents such as ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, and butyl acetate.

Good to know: Glacial acetic acid, the concentrated and anhydrous form, is a distinct grade relevant to industrial and synthesis buyers.

Formulation notes

• Glacial acetic acid will corrode metal.
• Attacks some plastics, rubber, and coatings.

Typical specification

• Glacial acetic acid solidifies below 16.7 °C (17 °C).
• Glacial acetic acid is considered practically pure at 99.5% and above, with water as the main impurity.
• Autoignition temperature of 485°C.
• Possible impurities depend on the manufacturing process and can include acetaldehyde, acetic anhydride, formic acid, diacetyl, methyl acetate, ethyl acetoacetate, iron, mercury, iodine, bromine, and chlorides.

Regulatory status

• UN number 2789 applies to acetic acid, glacial acetic acid, or acetic acid solutions containing more than 80% acid by weight.
• Has the EU index number 607-002-00-6.
• Classified under CLP as a flammable liquid and vapour (H226).
• The harmonised CLP classification and labelling is mandatory.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Reacts violently with strong oxidants, creating a fire and explosion hazard.
• Must be stored away from food and feed, strong oxidants, strong acids, and strong bases.
• Should be stored only in its original container, well closed, in a well-ventilated place.
• Should be stored in an area without access to drains or sewers.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.