Acetic acid is a colourless liquid or crystal with a sour, vinegar-like odour and is one of the simplest carboxylic acids and is an extensively used chemical reagent. Acetic acid has wide application as a laboratory reagent, in the production of cellulose acetate mainly for photographic film and polyvinyl acetate for wood glue, synthetic fibres, and fabric materials. Acetic acid has also been of large use as a descaling agent and acidity regulator in food industries.

Applications:

1.Acetic acid occurs in vinegar. It is producedin the destructive distillation of wood. Itfinds extensive application in the chemicalindustry. It is used in the manufacture ofcellulose acetate, acetate rayon, and variousacetate and acetyl compounds; as a solventfor gums, oils, and resins; as a food preservative in printing and dyeing; and in organicsynthesis.

2.Acetic acid is an important industrial chemical. The reaction of acetic acid with hydroxyl containing compounds, especially alcohols, results in the formation of acetate esters. The largest use of acetic acid is in the production of vinyl acetate . Vinyl acetate can be produced through the reaction of acetylene and acetic acid. It is also produced from ethylene and acetic acid. Vinyl acetate is polymerized into polyvinyl acetate (PVA), which is used in the production of fibers, films, adhesives, and latex paints.

Cellulose acetate, which is used in textiles and photographic film, is produced by reacting cellulose with acetic acid and acetic anhydride in the presence of sulfuric acid. Other esters of acetic acid, such as ethyl acetate and propyl acetate, are used in a variety of applications.

Acetic acid is used to produce the plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) . Acetic acid is used to produce pharmaceuticals.

3.Glacial Acetic Acid is an acidulant that is a clear, colorless liquid which has an acid taste when diluted with water. It is 99.5% or higher in purity and crystallizes at 17°c. It is used in salad dressings in a diluted form to provide the required acetic acid. It is used as a preservative, acidulant, and flavoring agent. It is also termed acetic acid, glacial.

4.Acetic acid is used as table vinegar, as preservative and as an intermediate in the chemical industry, e.g. acetate fibers, acetates, acetonitrile, pharmaceuticals, fragrances, softening agents, dyes (indigo) etc. Product Data Sheet.

5.It is used in aqueous and non-aqueous acid-base titrations.

6.Manufacture of various acetates, acetyl compounds, cellulose acetate, acetate rayon, plastics and rubber in tanning; as laundry sour; printing calico and dyeing silk; as acidulant and preservative in foods; solvent for gums, resins, volatile oils and many other substances. Widely used in commercial organic syntheses. Pharmaceutic aid (acidifier).