Acetic Acid

Acetic Acid: Properties, Industrial Applications, Price and Global Sourcing

Acetic acid ($CH_3COOH$), commonly known as ethanoic acid, is one of the most fundamental chemical compounds in the modern world. From the vinegar in your kitchen to the high-performance polymers in your car, acetic acid is a cornerstone of global industrial chemistry.

At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we specialize in bridging the gap between high-purity chemical manufacturing and global industrial demand. Whether you are seeking technical-grade glacial acetic acid or food-grade solutions, understanding the complexity of this molecule is essential for your procurement strategy.


What is Acetic Acid? Chemistry and Synonyms

Acetic acid is a carboxylic acid characterized by its pungent, vinegary odor and sour taste. In its concentrated form, it is referred to as Glacial Acetic Acid due to its tendency to form ice-like crystals at temperatures below 16.6°C (62°F).

Systematic Names and Synonyms

To navigate global procurement, it is vital to know the various nomenclatures used across markets:

  • Systematic Name: Ethanoic Acid
  • Common Synonyms: Methanecarboxylic acid, Vinegar acid, Glacial acetic acid, Ethylic acid, Pyroligneous acid.
  • CAS Number: 64-19-7
  • Molecular Formula: $C_2H_4O_2$

Industrial Applications: Why the World Needs Acetic Acid

The demand for acetic acid is driven by its versatility. It acts as a solvent, a reaction intermediate, and a preservative.

1. Production of Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM)

The largest industrial use of acetic acid is the production of Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM). VAM is the precursor to polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH), which are used in paints, adhesives, paper coatings, and food packaging films.

2. PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid)

Acetic acid serves as a solvent in the oxidation of p-xylene to produce purified terephthalic acid (PTA). PTA is a critical raw material for the production of PET bottles and polyester fibers used in the textile industry.

3. Food Industry

Diluted acetic acid (vinegar) is a primary food additive (E260). It acts as a preservative, flavor enhancer, and pickling agent. Global food security relies heavily on the steady supply of food-grade acetic acid.

4. Pharmaceutical and Chemical Synthesis

Acetic acid is a key reagent in the synthesis of esters, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals like aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). It is also used in the production of acetic anhydride, which is essential for cellulose acetate production.


Technical Specifications and Quality Control

When purchasing acetic acid from ChemicalsSuppliers.com, clients must specify the required purity grade:

  • Glacial Acetic Acid (99%+): Used for bulk industrial synthesis.
  • Food Grade: Complies with FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) standards.
  • Technical Grade: Suitable for textile dyeing, rubber coagulation, and cleaning agents.

50+ Related Chemicals and Procurement at ChemicalsSuppliers.com

At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we offer a comprehensive catalog. Below is a list of 50+ related chemicals frequently sourced alongside acetic acid. Prices fluctuate based on market volatility, shipping origin, and volume.

Chemical Name Industry Application Typical Price (Est. per MT)
Acetic Anhydride Chemical Synthesis $1,200 – $1,500
Acetone Solvent $800 – $1,100
Formic Acid Leather/Textiles $900 – $1,200
Citric Acid Food/Beverage $700 – $900
Methanol Alcohol Fuel $300 – $500
Ethanol Solvent/Industrial $600 – $900
Sulfuric Acid Industrial Processing $150 – $300
Nitric Acid Fertilizer/Explosives $250 – $450
Phosphoric Acid Agriculture/Food $700 – $1,000
Propionic Acid Preservatives $1,300 – $1,600
Butyric Acid Fragrance/Food $2,500 – $3,500
Ethyl Acetate Solvent/Lacquer $900 – $1,200
Butyl Acetate Paints/Coatings $1,100 – $1,400
Isopropyl Alcohol Sanitizers $1,000 – $1,300
Toluene Petrochemical $800 – $1,000
Xylene Solvent $900 – $1,100
Phenol Resin Production $1,300 – $1,600
Formaldehyde Adhesives $400 – $600
Caustic Soda (NaOH) Cleaning/Textiles $400 – $700
Hydrochloric Acid Etching/Cleaning $200 – $400
Acrylonitrile Plastics/Fiber $1,400 – $1,800
Adipic Acid Nylon Production $1,500 – $2,000
Caprolactam Nylon-6 $1,600 – $2,100
Vinyl Acetate Monomer Adhesives $1,200 – $1,500
Terephthalic Acid PET Bottles $800 – $1,100
Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze $700 – $900
Propylene Glycol Food/Pharma $1,200 – $1,500
Glycerin Cosmetics $1,000 – $1,300
Stearic Acid Rubber/Soap $1,100 – $1,400
Oxalic Acid Cleaning Agent $900 – $1,200
Lactic Acid Bio-plastics $1,400 – $1,800
Maleic Anhydride Resins $1,100 – $1,400
Phthalic Anhydride Plasticizers $1,000 – $1,300
Acrylic Acid Polymers $1,200 – $1,500
Ammonium Nitrate Fertilizer $300 – $500
Urea Fertilizer $350 – $550
Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaching $500 – $800
Potassium Hydroxide Industrial $800 – $1,100
Sodium Carbonate Glass Industry $250 – $400
Sodium Sulfate Detergents $200 – $350
Chlorine Water Treatment $300 – $500
Benzene Solvent $800 – $1,000
Cyclohexane Nylon $1,000 – $1,300
Methyl Ethyl Ketone Solvent $1,200 – $1,500
Cyclohexanone Solvents $1,300 – $1,600
Dimethyl Formamide Solvent $1,500 – $1,900
Aniline Dyes/Rubber $1,400 – $1,700
Chloroform Solvent $700 – $1,000
Carbon Tetrachloride Industrial $900 – $1,200
Hexane Extraction $800 – $1,100

Note: Prices are estimates and vary based on quantity, logistics, and current market trends. Please visit ChemicalsSuppliers.com to request a customized quote.


The Global Supply Chain: How to Buy Safely

Sourcing industrial chemicals requires a reliable partner. When you work with ChemicalsSuppliers.com, you gain access to:

  1. Verified Quality: Every batch is tested for purity according to ISO and ASTM standards.
  2. Global Logistics: We handle the complex regulatory landscape of hazardous material shipping (IMDG/IATA).
  3. Competitive Pricing: Direct-to-factory relationships ensure lower overhead costs.

External Resources for Further Learning


Multilingual Keywords for Global Reach

To better serve our international clients, we recognize the importance of regional terminology. Below are key terms regarding acetic acid in various languages to assist in global search discovery:

  • Chinese (Simplified): 乙酸 (Yǐsuān) / 冰醋酸 (Bīng cùsuān – Glacial)
  • Hindi: एसिटिक एसिड (Acetic Acid) / सिरका (Sirka – Vinegar)
  • Spanish: Ácido acético
  • Arabic: حمض الخليك (Hamd al-khalik)
  • French: Acide acétique
  • Bengali: অ্যাসিটিক অ্যাসিড (Acetic Acid)
  • Korean: 아세트산 (Aseteu-san)
  • Portuguese: Ácido acético
  • Indonesian: Asam asetat
  • Russian: Уксусная кислота (Uksusnaya kislota)
  • German: Essigsäure
  • Japanese: 酢酸 (Sakusan)
  • Vietnamese: Axit axetic
  • Turkish: Asetik asit

Why Partner with ChemicalsSuppliers.com?

At ChemicalsSuppliers.com, we believe that chemistry is the bridge to innovation. By maintaining an extensive inventory and a transparent supply chain, we empower businesses to focus on growth rather than procurement bottlenecks.

Whether you are looking for high-purity Glacial Acetic Acid for pharmaceutical synthesis or bulk quantities for textile dyeing, our team is equipped to handle your requirements with precision and efficiency.

Contact our sales department today to receive a quote or download our latest product catalog.

Maximize your productivity. Optimize your chemical sourcing. Choose ChemicalsSuppliers.com.