[Chemical Knowledge]：The nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods of organic acids, what are the characteristics of organic acids

Organic acid properties

Organic acids are an important class of organic compounds that contain one or more carboxyl (-COOH) groups in the molecule. Common organic acids include formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, lactic acid, citric acid, etc. These acids are generally acidic and can react with bases to form salts and water. Due to the presence of carboxyl groups, most organic acids have a certain degree of solubility, especially in water. Its physical properties such as boiling point, melting point, density and solubility vary depending on the molecular structure. For example, acetic acid is liquid at room temperature, while oxalic acid and citric acid are solid crystals.

Organic Acid Uses

Organic acids have a wide range of applications in various industrial fields. In the food industry, acetic acid is commonly used as an acidulant and preservative, and citric acid as a flavoring agent and pH regulator. In the chemical industry, organic acids are important intermediates for the synthesis of various compounds, such as plastics, dyes, pharmaceuticals and fragrances. Acetic acid is an important raw material for the synthesis of cellulose acetate and vinyl acetate. In the field of medicine, aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is derived from organic acids. Organic acids are used in agriculture to produce pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid is a commonly used herbicide.

Organic acid upstream and downstream raw materials

The production of organic acids depends on a variety of raw materials, including petrochemical products, natural gas, agricultural products and so on. For example, acetic acid may be produced by a methanol carbonylation process in which methanol and carbon monoxide are the primary feedstocks. Citric acid is produced by fermentation, and the main raw materials are sugars such as corn syrup. Downstream products include various chemicals, food additives, pharmaceuticals and agricultural supplies. As an intermediate, acetic acid can be used to produce acetates, acetyl chloride, cellulose acetate and polyvinyl alcohol. Citric acid downstream products include sodium citrate, calcium citrate, etc.

Organic acid production process

The production process of organic acids is varied, including chemical synthesis and biological fermentation. Chemical synthesis is mostly used for simple organic acids, such as acetic acid and formic acid. The industrial production of acetic acid is mainly carried out by the methanol carbonylation process, which uses methanol and carbon monoxide as raw materials and reacts with rhodium or iridium catalysts. The law of biological fermentation is often used in complex organic acids, such as citric acid and lactic acid. This method uses microorganisms (such as Aspergillus niger) to ferment sugars under specific conditions, which has the advantages of simple process, low cost and environmental protection.

Organic acid storage method

The storage methods of organic acids vary due to their physicochemical properties. Most organic acids need to be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperatures to prevent decomposition or deterioration. Liquid organic acids, such as acetic acid and formic acid, are usually stored in corrosion-resistant metal containers or polyethylene drums, and should be well sealed to prevent volatilization and moisture absorption. Solid organic acids, such as citric acid and oxalic acid, are often stored in sealed plastic or paper bags to prevent moisture-blocking. For flammable and explosive organic acids (such as formic acid), it is necessary to keep away from fire sources and take explosion-proof measures.

Organic Acid Market Status and Prospects

The market scale of organic acids is expanding year by year, benefiting from the rapid development of food, medicine, chemical and other industries. According to the market research institute, the global organic acids market will maintain steady growth in the coming years. In particular, the trend of green environmental protection and sustainable development has promoted the demand growth of bio-based organic acids. As the world's largest producer and consumer of organic acids, China's market demand is also expanding. Technological progress and optimization of production processes will further reduce production costs and improve production efficiency, thereby enhancing market competitiveness.

Organic Acid Environmental Protection and Safety

The environmental and safety issues involved in the use and production of organic acids cannot be ignored. Some organic acids are corrosive and toxic, and improper handling may cause harm to the environment and human health. Organic acids in industrial wastewater need to be treated to meet the discharge standards before discharge. For toxic and harmful organic acids and their derivatives, strict management and monitoring measures need to be established. The production of organic acids by biological fermentation is highly respected because of its renewable raw materials and clean process, which is in line with the current development direction of green chemical industry.

Summary

As an important basic chemical raw material, organic acids play an important role in the fields of industry, food, medicine and agriculture because of their diverse properties and wide range of uses. Its production relies on a variety of upstream raw materials and is achieved through processes such as chemical synthesis and biological fermentation. Storage of organic acids requires appropriate measures based on their physical and chemical properties to ensure their stability and safety. Looking forward to the future, with the progress of technology and the growth of market demand, the application prospect of organic acids will be more broad, but also need to pay attention to its environmental protection and safety issues, to achieve sustainable development.