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Glacial acetic acid is a colorless liquid that has a pungent smell and is corrosive. It is also known as ethanoic acid. In mixture form, it is known as vinegar and mostly applied in food as a preservative and condiment. However, in its concentrated form, it is an industrial solvent and chemical reagent.
In chemistry, glacial acetic acid is mentioned as CH3COOH and has a molecular mass of 60.05 grams per mole. This acid belongs to a group of carboxylic acids and has two functional hydroxyl groups and a carbonyl group attached to a linear chain of two carbon atoms and a methyl group. Because of the ionization of the carboxyl group in water, glacial acetic acid is a weak diprotic acid.
There are diverse types of glacial acetic acid for different applications, including:
Biological Glacial Acetic Acid
It has a wide application in biological systems such as DNA extraction. It is applied in the cell-lysis procedure to eliminate DNA from cells, leaving behind protein concentrations. It is also applied in fixing tissue samples to ensure that the samples are well-preserved for microscopy examination.
Chromatographic Glacial Acetic Acid
Often in liquid chromatography, glacial acetic acids serve as buffers to maintain the stability of pH during analysis in biochemical samples. Because small changes in pH could alter protein structures and enzymes, this acid assists in stabilizing these components during separation processes.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Acetic Acid
Acetic acid has high solubility in organic compounds and is thus applicable in HPLC as a mobile phase modifier. This acid improves the separation of compounds by cleaning the stationary phase and increasing the efficiency of the chromatographic process.
Industrial Glacial Acetic Acid
Glacial acetic acid has many industrial applications: it is readily used by industries to manufacture chemicals such as acetic anhydride, acetate esters, and even synthetic fibers like polyester. These compounds contain diverse applications in textile, plastic, and chemical production. On the other hand, due to its ability to dissolve many substances, glacial acetic acid is applied as a solvent in coatings, adhesives, and even rubber production.
Laboratory Glacial Acetic Acid
Glacial acetic acid is predominantly applied in laboratories as a reagent for the synthesis of chemical compounds. It is commonly applied in esterification reactions for the production of acetate esters, which are useful solvents in a lot of applications. Due to its purity and concentration, this acid is applicable in creating organic compounds and promoting chemical reactions.
Glacial acetic acid is a versatile compound primarily used in the chemical industry. Some of its uses include:
Food Industry
Acetic acid is applied in the food industry as a food preservative with the E260 food additive code. It is responsible for increasing food storage stability by decreasing food pH, thereby limiting the growth of bacteria and other pathogens. Normally, it can be found in pickling solutions, salad dressings, and sauces. It gives flavor to food while simultaneously serving as a preservative.
Textile Industry
Normally, acetic acid is applied in the textile industry during the dyeing and finishing processes of fabrics. It neutralizes the alkali used in the dyeing process and thus enables better fixation of dyes to fibers. It helps maintain fabric quality and color vibrance in cotton and synthetic material processing.
Leather Production
Applying glacial acetic acid to the leather industry is analogous to its role in tanning and preserving animal hides. It assists in the hair removal process from hides and helps in the maintenance of texture and durability in the final leather products. Without this Acid, the preservation process would be ineffective and lead to rapid spoilage of the material.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
In cosmetics, glacial acetic acid is usually a component in hair products such as conditioners and shampoos. It brings a shiny surface to hair by balancing its pH and thereby enhancing texture and manageability. Furthermore, this acid can be also found in exfoliating skin products to help peels and masks to balance skin acidity.
Pharmaceuticals
Glacial acetic acid is a vital raw material in the production of numerous pharmaceutical drugs such as acetaminophen and other antibiotics. It functions as a precursor in synthesizing many medicinal compounds. Also, due to its antibacterial properties, it can be diluted and used in some medical treatments.
Descaling Agents
Glacial acetic acid has a wide application in descaling agents that remove mineral deposits from surfaces like boilers, water heaters, and even coffee makers. This Acid reacts with these mineral build-ups neutralizing them and thus effortlessly washing them away. It is very important in maintenance products used in cleaning and prolonging the lifespan of household appliances.
There are some common specifications for unbranded glacial acetic acid that are generally recognized. However, referring to the product's technical data sheet or label for precise information is very important. These may include concentration, purity, storage instructions, and safety measures/ precautions.
The key features of glacial acetic acid include:
Molecular Formula
The chemical formula of glacial acetic acid is CH3COOH, representing two carbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. Acetic acid is among the simplest carboxylic acids. Nonetheless, glacial acetic acid constitutes a more concentrated form without water, while its aqueous solution concentration is vinegar.
Molecular Mass
The molecular mass of glacial acetic acid is approximately 60.05 grams per mole. This relatively low mass contributes to its volatility and ability to evaporate quickly when not contained.
Boiling Point
Acetic acid has a boiling point of 117.9 °C (245.2 °F). This property allows it to be used in a variety of chemical reactions that require heating, including the production of synthetic fibers and plastics.
Freezing Point
The freezing point of glacial acetic acid is 16.6 °C (61.88 °F). When below this temperature, this acid solidifies to form a colorless crystalline mass, which can easily be confused with ice.
Concentration
Glacial acetic acid is 100% concentrated. As a result, it is the purest form of acetic acid without any water or other impurities. Because of this high level of concentration, it is extremely potent and corrosive.
Density
It has a density of 1.049 g/cm³. Due to this relatively high density, glacial acetic acid is heavier than water and many other organic solvents.
Reactivity
Glacial acetic acid is reactive with a variety of chemical compounds. It readily forms anhydrides when reacting with acetic acid to produce acetyl anhydride, a compound that is useful in the pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, due to the carboxyl groups on its molecules, this Acid can react with bases to form acetate salts.
Glacial acetic acid is a colorless liquid that can be very slippery and has a pungent smell. It is used in many industries due to its versatility. Below are the some of the most common applications:
Synthesis of Chemical Reagents
Glacial acetic acid is used to produce acetic anhydride, which is then used for synthesizing chemical compounds such as pharmaceuticals. Acetic anhydride also produces ester compounds that are useful as organic solvents in the chemical industry.
Solvent
Often, this acid is used as a solvent for dissolving diverse organic compounds in chemical reactions where it acts as a medium for reactants. Due to its ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar substances, glacial acetic acid is mostly used in laboratories for chemical analysis and experimentation. It is also used in paints, coatings, and adhesives.
Catalyst in Organic Synthesis
Due to its acidic properties, acetic acid is used as a catalyst in many esterification reactions to synthesize organic compounds like esters, which have several applications in fragrances and cosmetics. Moreover, it is applied in the production of cellulose acetate, a compound used in the textile industry for manufacturing fibers and plastics.
Fixative in Biological Studies
In laboratories, glacial acetic acid is applied as a fixative in biological samples for microscopy. It helps in preserving cellular structures by denaturing proteins from tissues and thus enabling better visibility during microscopic examinations. It is mixed with ethanol for genetic material preservation during DNA extractions.
Production of Synthetic Fiber
Acetic acid is widely used in the production of synthetic fibers such as rayon and acetate. These fibers are normally applied in textiles and clothing due to their lustrous finish and silky feel. When acetic acid is combined with other chemicals, it produces polyester fibers for plastic bottles and textile production.
Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical industry applies glacial acetic acid in the production of some drugs and medicinal compounds. Due to its antibacterial properties, a diluted solution of acetic acid is often used in the treatment of infections, especially in the hearing canals.
When purchasing glacial acetic acid, a buyer needs to consider several factors. Here are some of them:
Purpose
Buyers should first identify the intended use of the acetic acid. For example, if it is intended for laboratory or industrial use, one should procure a high-purity grade like reagent or anhydride acetic acid. On the other hand, lower grades of acetic acid can be used for food or agricultural purposes.
Quality and Purity
When buying glacial acetic acid, buyers should consider the required level of purity for their applications. Certain applications like pharmaceuticals or research require high-purity acetic acid (99.5% or higher). Therefore, it is necessary to check the acid's purity level before buying.
Supplier's Reputation
It is prudent to buy from established and reputable suppliers that provide detailed information and reports on the glacial acetic acid's quality, storage, and handling instructions. Furthermore, they should be capable of assuring the availability of the acid in the needed quantity consistently and with pure and verified quality.
Safety and Compliance
Acetic acid is a hazardous chemical; therefore, buyers should give priority to suppliers who comply with safety regulations. Such suppliers provide adequate personal protective equipment and first aid measures in case of exposure to such chemicals.
There are several advantages of using this chemical in industrial applications. They include:
Versatility
Glacial acetic acid is very versatile and is used in a variety of applications such as synthesizing chemicals, and producing plastics, textiles, and fibers. This gives them a wide range of uses in different industries.
High Purity
Due to its anhydrous nature, glacial acetic acid is a highly pure solvent and reagent, making it ideal for processes that require precision, such as the pharmaceutical industry.
Effective Solvent Properties
This acid effectively dissolves a broad range of polar and non-polar substances, making it suitable for heterogeneous chemical reactions.
Eco-Friendly Option
Acetic acid is biodegradable. Hence, it can be a safer and greener alternative to many other synthetic chemicals used in diverse industries today.
Cost-Effective
Typically, glacial acetic acid is readily available and inexpensive compared to other high-purity solvents and reagents. This makes it an economically feasible option for businesses across multiple industries.
It is Just Vinegar
Vinegar contains highly diluted acetic acid (about 5 to 20%). Many people think that since vinegar is less acidic, then acetic acid does not have harmful effects when exposed to the skin. In reality, concentrated acetic acid (glacial acetic acid ) is very corrosive and can cause severe burns when it comes in contact with skin or eyes.
It Has No Industrial Value
Some people consider acetic acid as a weak chemical that has no industrial value. In reality, glacial acetic acid is used as a key raw material for producing diverse chemicals, including acetone, acetic anhydride, and even plastics.
Only Used in Laboratories
Some people think that glacial acetic acid is only used in laboratories. In reality, it is also used in various industrial applications, such as the textile and plastic industries besides being used in laboratories.
Supplier Reliability
Buyers should ensure that they purchase bulk acetic acid from reputable and reliable suppliers who have proven records of supplying chemicals in bulk. They should be transparent about the origin and purity of glacial acetic acid.
Packing and Delivery
Selling acetic acid in bulk requires taking safety measures and ensuring that it is delivered in suitable containers that can withstand corrosive chemicals. Buyers should ask about the safety measures the suppliers take while handling and transporting such hazardous chemicals.
Pricing
Buyers should consider the overall cost of purchasing bulk glacial acetic acid, including shipping and handling expenses. They should also ensure that they negotiate for the cheaper prices as they are likely to buy them in bulk for a bulk buy for resale or industrial use.
Regulatory Compliance
Glacial acetic acid is a regulated substance, and buyers should buy from suppliers who comply with national and international regulations concerning the purchasing and selling of hazardous chemicals.
