Acetic Acid

Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is a clear colourless liquid which has a pungent, vinegar-like odour. When it is pure (100% acetic acid) it is referred to as glacial acetic acid.

Acetic acid is the main component of vinegar, which contains 4 to 18% acetic acid. It is used as a food preservative and food additive. Large quantities of acetic acid are used to make products such as ink for textile printing, dyes, photographic chemicals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, rubber and plastics. It is also used in some household cleaning products to remove lime scale.