There is a difference between glacial acetic acid and white vinegar

What is glacial acetic acid?

Glacial acetic acid (chemical formula CH3CO2H) is a colorless and transparent liquid with a boiling point of 118.5°C. It is solid or liquid at room temperature and is widely used in the field of food preservation. Industrially, glacial acetic acid is used as a food additive, primarily as a preservative and antioxidant, extending food shelf life and reducing bacterial growth.

What is white vinegar?

The main component of white vinegar is acetic acid (chemical formula CH3COOH), which is a colorless liquid with a slight acid smell. In the food industry, white vinegar is used to prolong the freshness of fruits and vegetables, also as a preservative. White vinegar also has important applications in industrial cleaning and disinfection, and has a wide range of uses.

Glacial acetic acid and white vinegar difference

1. Composition difference The main components of glacial acetic acid and white vinegar are the same, both are acetic acid. Glacial acetic acid may contain small amounts of moisture or other chemicals, which may affect its physical and chemical properties.

2. Application areas Glacial acetic acid is mainly used for food preservation, and white vinegar has a similar effect in the food industry, but white vinegar is more widely used and can be used in industrial cleaning, disinfection and so on.

3. Stability Glacial acetic acid has poor stability at high temperature and is easy to decompose, while white vinegar has good stability and is suitable for long-term storage.

4. Cost The cost of glacial acetic acid is relatively high, while white vinegar is more popular because of its wide range of sources (such as apple vinegar and pear vinegar) and low cost.

Application contrast

• Food industry: Both are used for preservation, but white vinegar has a wider range of applications, including bleaching and deodorizing.
• Industrial: white vinegar in industrial cleaning is more commonly used, and glacial acetic acid is mainly used for specific chemical reactions.
• Environmental factors: white vinegar production is usually more environmentally friendly, and ice, glacial acetic acid use may have a certain impact on the environment.

Summary

Although glacial acetic acid and white vinegar are similar in basic composition, there are significant differences in application fields and characteristics. Which substance to choose depends on specific needs and industry standards.