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.
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).
To navigate global procurement, it is vital to know the various nomenclatures used across markets:
The demand for acetic acid is driven by its versatility. It acts as a solvent, a reaction intermediate, and a preservative.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When purchasing acetic acid from ChemicalsSuppliers.com, clients must specify the required purity grade:
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.
Sourcing industrial chemicals requires a reliable partner. When you work with ChemicalsSuppliers.com, you gain access to:
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:
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.
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