Acetic Acid, Glacial

Synonyms
Acidum aceticum glaciale; E260; ethanoic acid; ethylic acid; methane carboxylic acid; vinegar acid.

Description
Glacial acetic acid occurs as a crystalline mass or a clear, colorless volatile solution with a pungent odor.

Chemical Name:  Ethanolic acid

Acidifying agent.

• Glacial and diluted acetic acid solutions are widely used as acidifying agents in a variety of pharmaceutical formulations and food preparations.
• Acetic acid is used in pharmaceutical products as a buffer system when combined with an acetate salt such as sodium acetate.
• Acetic acid is also claimed to have some antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Acetic acid reacts with alkaline substances.

Acetic acid is widely used in pharmaceutical applications primarily to adjust the pH of formulations and is thus generally regarded as relatively nontoxic and nonirritant. However, glacial acetic acid or solutions containing over 50% w/w acetic acid in water or organic solvents are considered corrosive and can cause damage to skin, eyes, nose, and mouth. If swallowed glacial acetic acid causes severe gastric irritation similar to that caused by hydrochloric acid.

Dilute acetic acid solutions containing up to 10% w/w of acetic acid have been used topically following jellyfish stings. Dilute acetic acid solutions containing up to 5% w/w of acetic acid have also been applied topically to treat wounds and burns infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Acetic acid, particularly glacial acetic acid, can cause burns on contact with the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Splashes should be washed with copious quantities of water. Protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection are recommended.

Acetic acid; artificial vinegar; dilute acetic acid