Acetic Acid (Glacial)
Acetic Acid (Glacial)
Organic Chemical Compound
Glacial acetic acid is a concentrated form of acetic acid with the chemical formula CH₃COOH. It is a clear, colourless liquid with a strong, pungent vinegar-like odour. The term “glacial” refers to its ability to solidify into ice-like crystals at temperatures below 16.6°C. It is completely miscible with water, alcohol, and ether.
It is widely used in chemical manufacturing and is produced through processes such as methanol carbonylation. Glacial acetic acid is a key industrial chemical used in solvents, dyes, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.
Physical & Chemical Properties
CH₃COOH
≥ 99.7%
Clear, colourless liquid
-
Acetic Acid (Glacial)
Product Specifications| Specifications | Range |
|---|---|
| Acetic Acid Content | 99.85% min. by wt. |
| Water | 0.15% max. by wt. |
| Colour Hazen Units | 10 max. |
| Formic Acid | 0.05% max. by wt. |
| Aldehyde as Acetaldehyde | 0.05% max. by wt. |
| Heavy Metal as Pb | 2 ppm max. |
| Oxidizable Impurities | 2.00 hrs. min. |
| Crystallization Point | 16.35 °C min. |
| Relative Density | 1.0496 at 27 °C |
| Iron as Fe | 1 ppm max. |
| Arsenic as As | 2 ppm max. |
| Chloride as Cl | 1 ppm max. |
| Sulphate as SO₄ | 1 ppm max. |
| Residue on Evaporation | 0.005% max. by wt. |
| Solubility in Water | Completely Miscible |
| CAS No. | 64-19-7 |
| UN No. | 2789 |
Acetic Acid (Glacial)
Acetic Acid (Glacial) Applications
Glacial acetic acid is extensively used as a key raw material and solvent in chemical manufacturing. It is essential in the production of acetate esters, acetic anhydride, vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), and various organic intermediates used across multiple industries.
In the pharmaceutical sector, glacial acetic acid is used in drug synthesis, purification processes, and as a pH-adjusting agent. It plays a critical role in the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and pharmaceutical intermediates.
Glacial acetic acid is widely used in laboratories as a reagent, solvent, and analytical chemical. It is commonly employed in buffer solutions, titration procedures, and biochemical applications, including protein and nucleic acid studies.
In textile processing, glacial acetic acid is used to neutralize alkaline residues, control dye bath pH, and improve dye fixation. It ensures uniform coloration and enhances fabric quality during dyeing and finishing operations.
Food-grade glacial acetic acid is used as an acidity regulator, preservative, and flavoring agent. It is a primary component in vinegar production and is applied in pickling, sauces, condiments, and food preservation processes.
In the rubber industry, glacial acetic acid is used as a coagulant for natural rubber latex. It helps control coagulation rates and improves the consistency and quality of rubber sheets and products.
Glacial acetic acid is an important component in polymer production, particularly in the manufacture of polyvinyl acetate and cellulose acetate. These materials are widely used in adhesives, films, coatings, and molded plastic products.
Due to its strong acidic properties, glacial acetic acid is used in industrial cleaning and descaling applications. It effectively removes mineral deposits, rust, and scale from equipment, pipelines, and processing systems.