Glacial Acetic Acid
Glacial Acetic Acid
Glacial acetic acid considered an organic compound represented by the molecular formula C2H4O2 is the anhydrous (undiluted or free of water) form of acetic acid. Glacial acetic acid is a weak colourless reducing agent in an undiluted form (free from water). This makes it appropriate for usage in the plastics and food sectors. Although it is a weak acid, it is moderately corrosive to metals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. When it reacts with such metals, it produces hydrogen gas and salts known as acetates.
It is named glacial because it forms into solid acetic acid crystals at 16.7 °C, which are a little cooler than room temperature. The removal of water from acetic acid reduces its melting point by 0.2 °C. Just like a glacier that contains pure water, though if it’s floating in the salty sea, glacial acetic acid remains pure acetic acid, while impurities run off with the liquid.
The Most Important and Popular Applications of Acetic Acid
There are several uses for acetic acid. As a result, the acid is employed in many other applications in addition to being used as a food preservative (vinegar). Some of the most popular and significant uses are as follows:
Use in Industry
Acetic acid is a chemical reagent used to create a range of chemical compounds including acetic anhydride, ester, vinyl acetate monomer, vinegar, and a variety of other polymeric materials. Acetic acid is also utilised in numerous industrial processes to create substrates. It can be used to purify organic compounds since it can be used as a solvent for recrystallization.
Usage in Medicine
Numerous medical procedures employ acetic acid. Its main use is as an antiseptic against germs such as staphylococci, enterococci, streptococci, and pseudomonas. Additionally, it is employed in the diagnosis of infections and the detection of cervical cancer.
Usage in Food
In the food industry, acetic acid is most frequently employed in industrial pickling processes and condiments including mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup. Additionally, it is used to season a variety of dishes, including salads. Additionally, when vinegar and alkaline substances like baking soda react, a gas is produced that helps baked items puff up.
Industrial Application
Food Industry
Pharmaceutical Industry
Office Supplies
Cleaning Supplies
Overview & Challenges (Handling, Storage & Distribution)
Hazards & Toxicity
The NFPA health rating for glacial acetic acid is 3 and it can cause serious or permanent injury. it can cause irritation, drowsiness, and unconsciousness with overexposure to it. It has an NFPA fire rating of 2 and can be lit in relatively high ambient temperature conditions.
- GHS classification*: Flammable liquids, category 2
- H226: Flammable liquid and vapor [Warning Flammable liquids]
- H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]
- H318 (14.75%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]
- H370: Causes damage to organs [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure]
- H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled [Danger Sensitization, respiratory]
Pictograms Categorization
Pictograms Categorization
Storage & Distribution
Glacial acetic acid should be stored in a cool & dry and place having a good ventilation facility away from oxidising agents and alkaline substances. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, heat and open flames. Glacial acetic acid can be stored in drums of iso grade made of aluminium as aluminum forms a passivating acid-resistant film of aluminum oxide.
Chemical Details
- CAS Reg. No.
- Empirical formula
- Molar mass
- Appearance
- Boiling point
- Melting Point
- : 64-19-7
- : C2H4O2
- : 60.052 g/mol
- : Colorless Liquid
- : 117.9 ºC
- : 16.6 ºC
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