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Acetic Acid

 

Acetic Acid
Physical Properties
Color  -  Colorless
Odor  -  Distinctive Pungent, Sour Odor
Density -  \(0.037905 \; lbm/in^3 \;\)@\(\; 68 \; F^\circ \; (1.0492 \; g/cc \;\)@\(\; 20 \; C^\circ)\)
Viscosity  -  \(1.056 \; cP \;\)@\(\; 77 \; F^\circ \; (1.056 \; cP \;\)@\(\; 25 \; C^\circ)\)
Molar Mass  -  \(60.052 \; g/mol \;(60.052 \; g/mol)\)
Vapor Pressure  -  \(11.325 \; torr \;\)@\(\; 68 \; F^\circ \; (0.015099 \;bar \;\)@\(\; 20 \; C^\circ)\)
Surfacr Tension  -  \(27.1 \; dynes/cm \;(27.1 \; dynes/cm) \)
Chemical Properties
Chemical Formula  -  \(CH_3 CO_2  H\)
State of Matter  -  Liquid
Flammability  -  Highly Flammable
Electrical Properties
Dielectric Constant  -  \(6.17 \;(6.17)\)
Thermal Properties
Melting Point  -  \(61.88 \; F^\circ \; (16.6 \; C^\circ)\)
Boiling Point  -  \(244.2 \; F^\circ \; (117.9 \; C^\circ)\)
Flash Point  -  \(104 \; F^\circ \; (40 \; C^\circ)\)
Autoignition Temp.  -  \(865.4 \; F^\circ \; (463 \; C^\circ)\)
LFL  -  \(5.4\)%
PEL  -  \(10 \; ppm\)
Heat of Fusion  -  \(84.04 \; BTU/lb \; (195.3 \; J/g)\)
Heat of Vaporization  -  \(169.6 \; BTU/lb \; (394.3 \; J/g)\)
Specific Heat Capacity  -  \(0.490 \; BTU/lbF^\circ \;\)@\(\; 77 \; F^\circ \; (2.05 \; J/gC^\circ \;\)@\(\; 25 \; C^\circ )\)
Thermal Conductivity  -  \(1.10 \; BTUin/hrft^3F^\circ \;\)@\(\; 77 \; F^\circ \; (0.158 \; W/mK \;\)@\(\; 25 \; C^\circ )\)
Optical Properties
Refractive Index  -  \(1.3716 \;\)@\(\; 68 \; F^\circ \; \lambda \; 589.3 \; mm \; (1.3716 \;\)@\(\; 20 \; C^\circ \; \lambda \; 589.3 \; mm)\)
Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid \(CH_3 CO_2  H\), is a clear, colorless organic liquid with a distinctive pungent, sour odor that is characteristic of vinegar.  It is a simple carboxylic acid, meaning it contains a carboxyl functional group.  At its pure, concentrated form (around 99.5%), it's referred to as glacial acetic acid, which can solidify into ice-like crystals at temperatures below 16.6°C (61.9°F).

Acetic acid is a versatile chemical with widespread applications.  Most commonly, it is the main component of vinegar, typically present in a 4-8% solution with water.  It is naturally occurring, produced through the fermentation of carbohydrates and alcohols, and is also a natural metabolite in the human body.  Industrially, it's primarily manufactured through the carbonylation of methanol.

Its uses span numerous industries, including food and beverage (as a preservative, acidity regulator, and flavor enhancer in vinegar, pickles, and sauces), pharmaceuticals (in ear drops for infections, as a preservative, and in the production of aspirin), and textiles (as an acidifying and fixing agent in dyeing and printing).  It also serves as a crucial chemical reagent and solvent in the production of other chemicals, such as vinyl acetate monomer (used in paints and adhesives) and acetic anhydride.  While dilute solutions like vinegar are generally safe, concentrated acetic acid is corrosive and can cause irritation or burns upon contact.

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