CAS 64-19-7 · Weak Organic Acid
Acetic Acid
Glacial & Industrial · CH₃COOH · MW 60.05 g/mol
A colorless, pungent organic acid and one of the most important industrial chemicals worldwide. Glacial acetic acid (99.7%+) is the anhydrous form used in chemical synthesis; dilute grades serve food, pharmaceutical, and cleaning applications. Texas-Chem supplies acetic acid in glacial, industrial, and USP/food grades in drums, totes, and bulk.
Formula
CH₃COOH
Boiling Point
118 °C
pKa
4.76
Pack Sizes
Drums · Totes · Bulk
Structural Formula
Carboxylic acid — methyl group attached to a carboxyl (–COOH) functional group
Safety & Regulatory
- NFPA Health
- 3 — Serious hazard
- NFPA Flammability
- 2 — Moderate hazard
- NFPA Reactivity
- 0 — Stable
- OSHA PEL (TWA)
- 10 ppm (25 mg/m³)
- ACGIH TLV-TWA
- 10 ppm
- ACGIH TLV-STEL
- 15 ppm
- DOT Hazard Class
- 8 — Corrosive (glacial)
- UN Number
- UN 2789 (glacial)
Corrosive and flammable — use acid-resistant PPE and keep away from ignition sources. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet before handling.
Grades & Packaging
Available Grades
Pack Sizes
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Formula | CH₃COOH |
| Molecular Weight | 60.05 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 64-19-7 |
| Boiling Point | 118.1 °C (244.6 °F) |
| Melting Point | 16.6 °C (61.9 °F) |
| Flash Point | 39 °C (102 °F) — Flammable |
| Density | 1.049 g/cm³ at 20 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 1.5 kPa at 20 °C |
| Solubility in Water | Miscible in all proportions |
| pKa | 4.76 at 25 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.3716 at 20 °C |
| Auto-ignition Temp. | 427 °C (800 °F) |
Industrial Applications
Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM)
The largest industrial use of acetic acid — feedstock for vinyl acetate monomer, which is polymerized into PVA, PVAc, and EVOH resins used in adhesives, paints, and packaging films.
Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA)
Solvent and catalyst carrier in the oxidation of p-xylene to purified terephthalic acid — the monomer for PET polyester used in bottles, fibers, and films.
Cellulose Acetate
Reagent for acetylation of cellulose to produce cellulose acetate — used in cigarette filters, photographic film, and textile fibers.
Food & Beverage (Food Grade)
Acidulant, preservative, and flavoring agent (E260) in vinegar, pickled products, condiments, and baked goods. Food-grade acetic acid requires USP/FCC certification.
Pharmaceuticals
Solvent and reagent in pharmaceutical synthesis. Used in aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) production and as a pH adjuster in injectable formulations.
Industrial Cleaning & Descaling
Descaling agent for removing mineral deposits from boilers, heat exchangers, and industrial equipment. Effective against calcium carbonate and iron oxide scale.
Why Source Acetic Acid from Texas-Chem?
- 35+ years supplying industrial acids to Texas manufacturers
- Glacial, industrial, and USP/food grades in stock
- Drums, totes, and bulk tanker delivery available
- Competitive pricing backed by top-tier producer relationships
- Technical support and SDS documentation with every order
- Same-day quotes for standard quantities
Acetic Acid vs. Alternatives
Acetic acid is a versatile organic acid used in chemical synthesis, food processing, and industrial cleaning. Here's how it compares to related acids.
| Attribute | Acetic Acid | Formic Acid | Citric Acid |
|---|---|---|---|
| pKa | 4.76 | 3.75 | 3.13 (first) |
| Concentration Available | Glacial (99.7%), 56%, 30% | 85%, 90%, 99% | Solid / solution |
| Primary Use | Vinyl acetate, PTA, food preservative | Leather, rubber, agriculture | Food, pharma, cleaning |
| Odor | Strong vinegar odor | Pungent, irritating | Mild, pleasant |
| Corrosivity | Moderate — corrosive at high concentration | Moderate — skin/eye irritant | Low — mild irritant |
Industries We Supply Acetic Acid To
Chemical Manufacturing
Glacial acetic acid is a key feedstock for vinyl acetate monomer, acetic anhydride, and purified terephthalic acid (PTA) production.
Acetic Acid supply in Houston, TXFood & Beverage
Food-grade acetic acid used as a preservative, acidulant, and flavoring agent in vinegar, pickles, and condiment manufacturing.
Acetic Acid supply in Dallas, TXTextile & Fiber
Used in cellulose acetate fiber production and as a pH adjuster in textile dyeing and finishing operations.
Acetic Acid supply in Fort Worth, TXWater Treatment
Dilute acetic acid used for pH adjustment and as a carbon source in biological denitrification systems at industrial wastewater plants.
Acetic Acid supply in San Antonio, TX