Acetic acid
Definition of acetic acid
Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is an organic acid in the carboxylic acid family. Its chemical formula is CH3COOH. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic pungent odor, miscible with water and ethanol.
Acetic acid, a preservative in the additive family, is a versatile and essential ingredient in the food industry, offering a multitude of functions that contribute to the flavor, preservation of vegetables and other foods, texture and quality of a wide range of food products.
Acetic acid applications
Sebacom Acetic Acid Offer
| REFERENCE | RAW MATERIAL | Origin | PRESENTATION |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Acetic acid 99% Food |
Synthesis |
Saudi Arabia |
Tanker |
Why buy Acetic Acid with Sebacom Preservatives Supplier?
When you choose Sebacom as your supplier of preservatives, you're putting your trust in a specialist in quality raw materials, with a particularly strong reputation in the French-Spanish market since 2008.
Our market knowledge, expertise, business model and responsiveness make Sebacom an ideal Acetic Acid supplier.
You can buy Acetic Acid with the following reinsurances:
- We respect deadlines (historical and reliable carriers)
- We offer you optimized value for money (spot sales, contracts)
- We offer you impeccable product quality (suppliers selected and monitored)
- We respect the ethics and reputation of our approach (CSR)
- We are in good financial health for our supplier credits
Further information on Acetic Acid
What are other names for acetic acid?
Ethanoic acid: Systematic name according to IUPAC nomenclature, based on its molecular structure (ethyl and carboxyl groups).
Acetylic acid: Derived from the word "acetyl" (CH3CO-),
Vinegar acid: Simple descriptive name based on its main source.
Methyl formate: Alternative name derived from its relationship with formic acid and methanol.
Hydrogen ethanate: Chemical name based on the ethyl and acetate groups present in its molecule.
Methanecarboxylic acid is the systematic chemical name.
It also goes by the following names: Glacial acid, pyroligneous acid, fermentation acid.
What precautions should be taken when handling this food additive?
It is important to handle with care, using protective equipment for occupational exposure. Acetic acid is a corrosive chemical which can cause irritation and burns to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract through direct contact or inhalation of concentrated vapors. We recommend that you wear this equipment even if you are only exposed for a short time.
Personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) includes rubber gloves to prevent irritation, eye protection to prevent serious eye damage, and a lab coat or overalls to prevent accidental contact. Respiratory protection such as a mask is also recommended.
Handling and storage
Work in a well-ventilated area to limit exposure of the human body to acetic acid vapours.
Store acetic acid in sturdy glass or plastic containers, clearly labelled with product name, concentration and appropriate hazard symbols. Store the chemical in a safe storage area, away from sources of heat, ignition and incompatible substances, to avoid hazardous exposure even for short periods.
The use of acetic acid in industry is also subject to strict regulations designed to protect workers' health, carcinogenic effects and the environment. You can find out more from acetic acid suppliers.
How is acetic acid used?
Acetic acid is widely used in foodstuffs, and can be found in vinegars, condiments, marinades, dairy products, confectionery, beverages and bakery products.
It acts as a preservative to delay spoilage and guarantee the microbiological safety of meat, fish and dairy products.
It is also very useful for preserving vegetables and foodstuffs in the food and agri-food industries.
How is it used in the chemical industry?
Acetic acid, or vinegar acid, plays a crucial role in the production of cellulose acetate, an important bioplastic with many applications. It is a carboxylic acid widely used in the production of cellulose acetates, which are organic solvents.
In aqueous solution, acetic acid releases H+ ions, giving it its acidic character. It can react with bases to form salts called acetates.
Acetic acid can react with alcohols to form esters, important organic compounds with distinctive aromas.
Acetic anhydride reacts with water to produce acetic acid, an exothermic reaction.
Acetic acid reacts with ethanol (ethyl acid), in the presence of an acid catalyst, to produce vinyl acetate and water. Acetic anhydride reacts with water to produce acetic acid.
Ethanoic acid plays a crucial role in the industrial production of terephthalic acid from p-xylene.
Is acetic acid considered safe in the industry?
Acetic acid is approved as a safe food additive by international regulatory bodies such as Codex Alimentarius, and by individual authorities such as the FDA (USA) and EFSA (Europe). It is widely used in the production of foodstuffs, cosmetics, textiles and chemicals worldwide.
Maximum use levels (MRLs) are set for acetic acid in various types of food to ensure that it is not present at dangerous levels.