Acetic acid is a weak acid which is probably most famous for being the primary acid in vinegar. In fact, acetic acid has a wide range of uses beyond sprinkling on salads, and it is produced in large volumes all over the world. People have been working with this acid in a number of contexts for centuries, with acetic acid being one of the substances explored by alchemists, the predecessors of modern chemists.
This organic acid can be prepared in varying concentrations. In pure form, it is known as glacial acetic acid because it crystallizes in cool temperatures. This form of the acid is extremely corrosive and can be hazardous to work with, requiring special precautions for protection. Vinegar, by contrast, usually has an acetic acid concentration of around five percent.
There are a number of ways in which this acid can be prepared. One method is bacterial fermentation, the technique used to make vinegars, in which the acid is generated as a byproduct of bacterial digestion. Other techniques involve producing chemical reactions which result in this acid, as is done in commercial manufacture of this product. When the acid is destined for use in food, however, it is usually produced biologically because this is often required for food labeling reasons.
This clear, colorless acid has a distinctive sour taste, although tasting it is not recommended unless it is clearly labeled as fit for human consumption. It also has a strong, sharp odor which is familiar to many people because it smells like vinegar. Or, rather, vinegar smells like this acid. In food preparation, it can be used as a flavoring, with the sharp taste being desirable in some foods, and also as a food preservative. The acid inhibits bacterial growth, keeping food safe from contamination. The historic use of vinegar as a food preservative has created an acquired taste in some cultures for the distinctive tang of vinegar, so foods which no longer require preservation may have some added vinegar for flavor.
Industrially, the acid is used in a wide range of processes. It is also used in chemical production and research, in settings where people have need for a weak acid. Like other acids, acetic acid is corrosive for many substances, and it can be involved in a variety of chemical reactions. It is used as a solvent, a reagent, a catalyst, and a pesticide. It can be used in the preparation of paints, varnishes, and glazes, and in medical treatment, as for example in the treatment of jellyfish stings.
By Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a All The Science researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.