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CH₃COOH

Acetic acid

IUPAC : Acetic acid
OrganicAcidEverydayFoodIndustrialLaboratory

The best-known organic acid, the main component of vinegar (~5 %). Produced since antiquity by acetic fermentation and today also by industrial synthesis (methanol carbonylation).

3D ball-and-stick representation of Acetic acid (formula CH₃COOH). Constituent atoms: C, H, O.
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Physical properties

Molar mass60.052 g/mol
State at 20 °Cliquid
Density1.049 g/cm³
Melting point289.81 K (16.66 °C)
Boiling point391.05 K (118 °C)
Solubility (H₂O)miscible
Refractive index1.371
pKapKa = 4.76

Structure

Crystal system—
3D render modeBall-and-stick

Uses and applications

  • Food vinegar (condiment, preservative, cleaner)
  • Vinyl acetate production (paints, adhesives, textiles)
  • Purified terephthalic acid manufacture (PET, polyester)
  • Organic chemistry solvent
  • Food pH regulator (E260)

Safety (GHS)

GHS02 · FlammableGHS05 · Corrosive
H statements : H226, H314

Pure (glacial) acetic acid is flammable and corrosive. Food vinegar (5–8 %) is safe.

Constituent elements

6C
Carbon
1H
Hydrogen
8O
Oxygen

References

PubChem CID176
CAS64-19-7
SMILESCC(O)=O
Sources : PubChem CID 176 · NIST Chemistry WebBook