Last week, when our trainer was teaching interns analytical methods we commonly use for checking the quality of prepared solvents, disaster struck. An intern used glacial acetic acid instead of pure acetic acid. If you know the difference between the two industrial solvents, you know why this was a problem.
But, of course, our intern didn’t. When asked whether the difference was explained in school, they said, “They gloss over this topic in school. It’s a one-liner somewhere in the syllabus. When you’re expected to learn as may topics as we are, this one line is easily forgotten.”
So, we decided it’s necessary to create a detailed article that’ll permanently fix the difference in everyone’s minds. Hence, this article was born. So, let’s dive in.
What is Glacial Acetic Acid?
Glacial acetic acid is acetic acid with a very low water content, often <1%. In many chemical synthesis procedures, it is also referred to as anhydrous acetic acid. It’s freezing point is 16.7°C, at which it turns into a crystal.
Glacial acetic acid has a pungent odor and has a molecular weight of 60.06 g mol−1. It’s commonly used as a precursor in various chemical synthesis reactions such as the synthesis of acetic anhydride and terephthalic acid. Its chemical formula is CH3COOH, and its chemical structure is shown as follows:
How is Glacial Acetic Acid Different from Acetic Acid?
Here’s a simple table to help you understand the difference between glacial acetic acid chemical and acetic acid
Uses of Glacial Acetic Acid
Glacial acetic acid can be used as both a solvent and a catalyst. Here are some of the common applications of glacial acetic acid in the industry:
Chemical synthesis: It is an essential raw material in the synthesis of chemicals such as acetate esters and vinyl acetate monomers. These chemicals are further used in adhesives, paints, and textiles.
Pharmaceutical synthesis: Glacial acetic acid is used as a catalyst or a solvent in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis. For example, it is used as a solvent in the synthesis of aspirin, hormones, vitamins, etc.
Microbial growth prevention: Diluted glacial acetic acid can inhibit microbial growth. Therefore, it is used to maintain the freshness of fruits and vegetables in the food industry. It is added to pickles, juices, and flavored drinks.
Surface cleaning: Glacial acetic acid can also be used as a disinfectant to clean surfaces. Because it is safe for consumption, it is used to clean food-preparation surfaces in the industry.
Analysis: Glacial acetic acid is also used in analytical chemistry. For example, it is commonly used as an industrial solvent in titration experiments.
These uses of glacial acetic acid in the industry are because of its various benefits.
Glacial Acetic Acid Benefits
Here are the advantages of using glacial acetic acid in the industry:
Because it has a very low water content, glacial acetic acid has no impurities, which will afford better yields and fewer side products when used in chemical synthesis.
Glacial acetic acid is more reactive than acetic acid; hence, fewer quantities are required for reaction completion.
Owing to its low impurity and water content, the reaction can be better controlled as fewer side products are possible. This property is crucial for esterification and polymerization processes.
It doesn’t require pre-concentration, reducing the energy, time, and costs of subsequent processes.
Fewer impurities are present in glacial acetic acid, which means, fewer impurities are present in products, which reduces downstream purification requirements.
But, Everything Depends On Quality.
Of course, all glacial acetic acid benefits depend on its quality. If it has high impurity levels, you’ll not avail any of these benefits. In fact, your purification requirements will increase, which increases your total costs! Hence, you need to purchase glacial acetic acid from reliable sources.
We Can Be Your Trusted Online Source.
Advent has a specialized glacial acetic acid manufacturing process that affords low-purity, high-quality glacial acetic acid you can use in all industrial applications. We manufacture a range of high-purity fine and specialty chemicals and pharma-grade solvents like acetaldehyde and 2-ethoxyehanol, all compliant with cGMP practices and international regulatory standards.
Our glacial acetic acid is available in multiple grades: HPLC, GC, LN, AR, ACS, etc. Get your desired glacial acetic acid now!
