Acetic Acid (80%-100%)

Acetic Acid (80%-100%)

E 260 CH3COOH

Properties: Miscible with water, ethanol, acetone, toluene, and hexane in all proportions. Naturally found in raw figs together with citric acid.

Storage: Acetic acid above 25% concentration is irritating enough to cause burns on skin and permanent damage to eyes. It can also cause serious damage to the digestive system and fatal changes in blood acidity. It has the property of igniting above 39°C and forming explosive mixtures with air. Therefore, it should be stored and used very carefully.

Applications: Used as coagulator in rubber manufacturing and in paint and leather industries.

In vinyl acetate production: Approximately 45% of acetic acid produced worldwide is used in vinyl acetate production. Vinyl acetate is the starting material for polyvinyl acetate and other polymers used in paint and construction sectors.

In acetic anhydride production: 25-30% of produced acetic acid is used in the conversion process to acetic anhydride. Acetic anhydride is the main raw material of cellulose acetate (synthetic textile) and is used in photographic films. Also, acetic anhydride is used in the production of aspirin, heroin, and some other compounds.

In food: 5% to 8% solutions of acetic acid are used directly in vinegar production. Also, solutions up to 18% are used in pickle making. Used in salad dressings, mayonnaise, sweet and sour pickles, and many sauces, meat curing, and vegetable preserves.

In mayonnaise production, the addition of acetic acid reduces Salmonella's resistance to heat. Acetic acid shows increasing microbiological effect as pH decreases. The use of acetic acid in bread and other baked products is permitted. However, the amount needed for sufficient antimicrobial effect may create an undesirable taste in the product. It is more effective against yeast and bacteria than mold. Acetic acid inhibits bread mold Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus nigricans only at pH: 3.5. Acetic acid is used in foods such as ketchup, mayonnaise, and pickles both to add flavor and to benefit from its preservative effect where acidity and characteristic flavor are desired.

As a solvent: Acetic acid is an excellent polar solvent. It is used as a solvent in the production of terephthalic acid (raw material of polyethylene terephthalate-PET). Also used as a solvent in many reactions involving carbocations.

In chemical production: Acetic acid is the main raw material in the production of sodium acetate (used in textile industry and as food preservative), copper acetate (used as pigment and fungicide), aluminum and iron acetate (used as colorants for paints).

As pH adjuster: Due to being a weak acid and easily miscible with aqueous solutions, it is widely used in textile, food, cosmetics, leather, and pharmaceutical sectors. Acetic acid is the most commonly used acid in the textile sector. Generally, it is added to the bath to ensure the softener is drawn into the fabric, as all softeners react in acidic environments.