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Acetic
Acid
Acetic Acid
Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid and methanecarboxylic acid, is a colorless liquid that has a strong and distinct pungent and sour smell. Its chemical formula is C2H4O2: it has two carbon (C) atoms, four hydrogen (H) atoms and two oxygen (O) atoms. Because it has a carbon in its chemical formula, it is an organic compound.
Acetic acid is used in a number of topical medical preparations, including the destruction of warts, in eardrops, as an expectorant, liniment and astringent. It is used in the manufacture of a number of chemical compounds, plastics, pharmaceuticals, dyes, insecticides, photographic chemicals, vitamins, antibiotics, cosmetics and hormones. It is used as an antimicrobial agent, latex coagulant and oil-well acidifier. It is used in textile printing, as a preservative in foods and as a solvent for gums, resins and volatile oils.
Uses :
1. Acetic acid is used as coagulant in the manufacture of rubber
2. It is used in the manufacture of various dye stuffs and perfumes
3. It is used in the manufacture of rayon fiber
4. It is used as a solvent
Chemical Properties :
1. Acetic acid is hygroscopic, meaning that it tends to absorb moisture.
2. It mixes with ethyl alcohol, glycerol, ether, carbon tetrachloride and water and reacts with oxidants and bases.
3. Concentrated acetic acid is corrosive and attacks many metals forming flammable or explosive gases.
4. It can also attack some forms of plastic, rubber and coatings.