Acetic Acid (Glacial)
CH₃COOH | CAS: 64-19-7 | HS: 29152100
Product Description
Glacial Acetic Acid is a foundational organic chemical — both a commodity solvent and a primary feedstock for producing vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), cellulose acetate, acetic anhydride, and a broad range of esters. In textiles, it is used for pH control in dyebaths for synthetic fibres (polyester, nylon) and as a neutralising agent in fabric finishing. In food applications (E260), acetic acid is the active component of vinegar and a widely used food preservative. Pharmaceutical and laboratory grades meet strict purity specifications for use in buffer solutions, extractions, and synthesis. MITCHEM supplies glacial and technical grades with full documentation.
Applications by Industry
Primary feedstock for VAM synthesis — itself the monomer for polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) used in adhesives, paints, and textile sizing.
Used to adjust and buffer pH in acid dye baths for polyester, nylon, and acrylic fibres, ensuring level dyeing and optimal dye-fibre interaction at target pH 4–5.
Reacts with cellulose (via acetic anhydride) to produce cellulose acetate — the polymer for cigarette filters, textile fibres (Tencel), photographic film base, and specialty plastics.
Used as a food preservative, acidulant, and flavouring agent; antimicrobial action against bacteria and moulds in pickled foods, sauces, and condiments.