Peracetic acid

Peracetic acid (CAS 79-21-0), abbreviated PAA and also known as peroxyacetic acid, is an oxidizing biocide and disinfectant.

Where is Peracetic acid used?

• Food and beverage processing: sanitizing equipment, conveyors and packaging surfaces with strict residue limits
• Aseptic packaging of food and beverages.
• Pulp and paper: bleaching agent that brightens pulp without chlorinated byproducts
• Water treatment: disinfecting effluent and process water where discharge rules restrict chlorine
• Pharmaceutical and healthcare: sterilization of production environments and medical device decontamination
• Alternative to hypochlorite-based disinfection in yeast production facilities.
• Grades at concentrations up to 40 percent are used exclusively for oxidation reactions in chemical synthesis processes.
• It leaves no persistent residues, making it an alternative to chlorine-based disinfectants.

Good to know: Equilibrium mixtures contain acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade specifications meet regulatory requirements in sensitive applications.

Formulation notes

• In the food and beverage industry, used at concentrations between 50 and 200 ppm.
• Suitable materials for handling concentrates include stainless steel, glass, porcelain and PTFE.
• Steel, brass, copper, lead, rubber and polystyrene are unsuitable.
• About one hundred times as much hydrogen peroxide is needed to achieve the same antimicrobial effect.

Typical specification

• Commercial products typically contain between 5% and 15% peracetic acid and 5% to 30% hydrogen peroxide.
• Purity from 0.4 to 40 percent.
• Flash point 40.5°C (closed cup); autoignition temperature 200°C.
• Relatively independent of pH and temperature; acts even at low temperatures.

Regulatory status

• Classified under EU CLP as a flammable liquid and vapour (H226).
• For transport assigned UN hazard class 5.2 with packing group II.
• A biocidal product under Directive 98/8/EC.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Concentrates must be stored separately from alkaline products.
• Concentrate containers must be equipped with gas-permeable closures.
• Can decompose when contaminated and at higher temperatures.

Frequently asked questions about Peracetic acid

What is the occupational exposure limit for peracetic acid?

The MAK value is 0.316 mg/m3 (0.1 ppm) with peak limitation category I(1) and pregnancy risk group C.

Is the CLP classification of peracetic acid harmonised in the EU?

Yes, the CLP classification is harmonised at EU level; a 35% solution is labelled and handled accordingly.

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