[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, properties of acetic acid

Acetic acid properties

Acetic acid, chemical formula CH3COOH, also known as acetic acid, is an organic acid. It is a colorless transparent liquid with a strong pungent odor. Acetic acid has a melting point of 16.6 ° C. and a boiling point of 118.1 ° C., and is volatile at room temperature. It can be miscible with water, ethanol, ether and other solvents in any proportion, corrosive, irritating and corrosive to metals, skin and mucous membranes. Acetic acid is strong, its pKa value is 4.76, can react with alkali to generate acetate.

Acetic Acid Uses

Acetic acid is widely used in many industries, and its use covers chemical, food, medicine and other fields. In the chemical industry, acetic acid is an important chemical raw material for the production of ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, cellulose acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, vinyl acetate and other chemical products. It is also an important intermediate in the production of dyes, coatings and adhesives. In the food industry, acetic acid is used as an acidulant, flavoring and preservative for its flavoring properties, especially in the production of vinegar. In the field of medicine, acetic acid and its derivatives are used in the manufacture of antibiotics, vitamins, hormones and other drugs. Acetic acid is also used in the production of photographic film, plastic products, textile printing and dyeing.

Acetic acid upstream feedstock

There are many ways to produce acetic acid, and the main upstream feedstocks include methanol, carbon monoxide and acetaldehyde. The most common method of production is methanol carbonylation, where acetic acid is produced by reacting methanol and carbon monoxide at high temperature and pressure. Another important production route is acetaldehyde oxidation, that is, acetaldehyde through the oxidation reaction to produce acetic acid. Acetaldehyde can also be obtained by the oxidation of ethylene, which is further oxidized to acetic acid. The supply situation and price fluctuation of these raw materials directly affect the production cost and market price of acetic acid.

Acetic acid downstream products

As a basic chemical raw material, acetic acid has a wide range of downstream products and is widely used. Ethyl acetate is one of the most important downstream products, used in coatings, adhesives and cleaning agents. Cellulose acetate is used in the manufacture of cellulose films, cigarette filters and plastic articles. Vinyl acetate is an important monomer in the synthesis of rubber and plastics and is widely used in coatings, adhesives and textile treatments. Polyvinyl alcohol is another important product downstream of acetic acid, mainly used in the production of glue, paint, emulsion and so on. Acetic acid is also used in the manufacture of various flavors and fragrances, pharmaceutical intermediates, pesticides and dyes.

ACETIC ACID STORAGE METHOD

Because acetic acid is corrosive and volatile, its storage requires special care. Acetic acid should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated place to avoid high temperature and fire. Storage containers shall be of corrosion resistant material such as stainless steel, glass or special plastic, well sealed to prevent leakage and volatilization. The storage environment should be dry to prevent acetic acid from absorbing moisture. Storage should avoid contact with strong alkali, strong oxidant, so as to avoid chemical reaction. Acetic acid is a hazardous chemical, storage and transportation should comply with relevant regulations and standards, and operators should wear protective equipment to ensure safety.

Acetic Acid Market Prospects

With the growing demand for acetic acid and its derivatives in various industries, the market demand for acetic acid is also rising steadily. Especially in the context of increasingly stringent environmental requirements, acetic acid and its derivatives have a wide range of applications in the field of green chemical industry. Emerging areas such as new energy materials and bio-based chemicals have also brought new growth points to the acetic acid market. With the transfer and development of the global chemical industry, China has become a major country in the production and consumption of acetic acid in the world, with huge market potential in the future.

Conclusion

As an important organic acid, acetic acid has a wide range of applications and market prospects. Its nature determines that it needs strict management and control in the process of production and use. With the progress of science and technology and the demand of the market, the application of acetic acid and its downstream products will continue to expand, and the market scale will be further expanded. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials and storage methods of acetic acid is of great significance to practitioners and researchers in the chemical industry.