Chemical Composition and Properties:
Formula: CH₃COOH
Molecular Weight: 60.05 g/mol
Appearance: Colorless liquid with a pungent, vinegar-like odor
Solubility: Highly soluble in water, ethanol, and many other organic solvents
Density: 1.049 g/cm³
Boiling Point: 118.1°C (244.6°F)
Melting Point: 16.7°C (62.1°F)
Natural Occurrence:
Found naturally in various fruits and plants
Produced by the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria
Industrial Production:
Synthetic Methods: Produced via the methanol carbonylation process, which involves reacting methanol with carbon monoxide
Biological Methods: Produced by the fermentation of ethanol or sugars by acetic acid bacteria, commonly used in vinegar production
Uses:
Food Industry: Used as a food preservative, flavoring agent, and acidity regulator (E260). It's the main component of vinegar.
Chemical Industry: Used in the production of various chemicals like vinyl acetate monomer (used in making adhesives), acetic anhydride, and acetate esters
Textile Industry: Employed in the dyeing and finishing of textiles
Pharmaceuticals: Used in the production of drugs and pharmaceuticals, including aspirin
Household: Commonly used as a cleaning agent and in descaling solutions
Agriculture: Used in the formulation of herbicides and fungicides
Reactions:
With Bases: Reacts with bases to form acetate salts, e.g., CH₃COOH + NaOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O
With Alcohols: Reacts with alcohols to form esters, e.g., CH₃COOH + CH₃OH → CH₃COOCH₃ + H₂O (methyl acetate)
With Metals: Reacts with certain metals to form hydrogen gas and metal acetates, e.g., 2CH₃COOH + Mg → (CH₃COO)₂Mg + H₂
Health and Safety:
Inhalation: Vapors can cause respiratory irritation
Ingestion: Can cause digestive tract irritation and discomfort; concentrated acetic acid is corrosive and can cause severe burns
Skin Contact: Can cause irritation and burns, particularly with concentrated solutions
Eye Contact: Can cause severe irritation and damage; safety precautions, such as wearing protective eyewear and gloves, are recommended when handling concentrated acetic acid
Environmental Impact:
Generally considered biodegradable and not environmentally persistent
Large spills or improper disposal can lead to environmental harm, particularly to aquatic life due to acidity
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