What is Acetic acid

Acetic acid is known as glacial acid and has the chemical formula CH₃COOH. It is an organic compound with the IUPAC name ethanoic acid. This carboxylic acid consisting of a methyl group linked to a carboxyl functional group. 

Carbonylation of menthol is the industrial way of producing this chemical. Another method for preparing iy is the oxidation of acetaldehyde.

Acetic acid is an essential ingredient for producing vinyl acetate monomer, including acetic anhydride and ester production. Polyvinyl acetate or other polymers use Vinyl acetate to polymerize. Paints and adhesives industries use these polymers. Another application of this acid is ester production, in which it works as solvents in inks and coatings.

Acetic acid helps in producing ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, and propyl acetate. Glacial acetic acid has application in medicine since the 1800s and it helps in treating cancer and otitis externa. It is famous for producing vinegar, but it’s no more than 4% of it by mass and hence Vinegar finds usage in pickling or as table vinegar. Glacial acid is the best polar protic solvent, as mentioned above. It is used as a solvent for the recrystallization of organic compounds to purify them, as It helps in Estimation of a weak alkaline substance, such as organic amides, in analytical chemistry. The acetic reagent is a reagent for producing heroin and other compounds. Photographic films use a synthetic textile which is calcium acetate, and acetic acid is a necessary component of the same.

In the form of a dilute solution it is safe to use, But its concentrated acid may cause eyes and skin irritation, and on inhalation, it causes severe burns and irritation.

USES AND APPLICATIONS

INDUSTRIES

Industries are using this for:-

• Vinegar production
• Acidity regulator.
• Solvent for paints and resins.
• Used as a reagent for the production of various chemicals.