The difference between acetic acid and glacial acetic acid

Acetic acid and glacial acetic acid are two common chemical substances, which are widely used in chemical industry, food, medicine and other fields. Due to the significant differences in their properties and uses, many people are often confused and misused in practice. This article will analyze the differences between acetic acid and glacial acetic acid in detail from the aspects of structure, properties and uses, and help readers to better understand and apply these two substances.

Definition and structure of 1. acetic acid

Acetic acid (Acetic Acid) is an acidic substance, the molecular formula is CHYCOOH, is an organic acid, widely exists in nature. Acetic acid contains a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) in the molecule, making it acidic. Acetic acid is a colorless, odorless liquid with a strong volatility, melting point of 17°C, boiling point of 66°C and density of 1.049g/cm³.

Definition and structure of 2. glacial acetic acid

glacial acetic acid (Ethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether) is a colorless liquid with the molecular formula C₂ H₂ O2O, which is a diol. Its structure contains an ether group (-O-), which makes it chemically different from acetic acid. Glacial acetic acid has a melting point of -9.08°C, a boiling point of 196.5°C and a density of 1.114g/cm³.

Differences in Physical Properties of 3. Acetic Acid and Glacial Acetic Acid

1. melting point and boiling point: The melting point of acetic acid is 17°C and the boiling point is 66°C, while the melting point of glacial acetic acid is -9.08°C and the boiling point is as high as 196.5°C. This difference makes acetic acid liquid at room temperature, while glacial acetic acid requires low temperature to melt.
2. Density: The density of acetic acid is 1.049g/cm³, and the density of glacial acetic acid is 11.14g/cm³. The former is slightly lower than the density of water, and the latter is slightly higher than water.
3. Acidic acetic acid is a strong acidic substance with obvious acidity; while glacial acetic acid itself is not acidic, but its derivatives (such as acetic acid ethyl ester) has certain acidity.

The difference between the use of 4. acetic acid and glacial acetic acid

1. application of acetic acid:

• it is mainly used as a stabilizer under acidic conditions, such as as an acidic catalyst in organic synthesis.
• It is used as a preservative and flavoring agent in the food industry.
• In the field of medicine for the manufacture of pharmaceutical ingredients.

1. Application of glacial acetic acid:

• it is often used for temperature regulation, especially as a substitute for ice-water mixtures, which have a lower melting point.
• It is used as a solvent and reaction medium in the chemical industry.
• It is used as a preservative and antioxidant in the food industry.

Precautions in the use of 5.

1. concentration control: The concentration of acetic acid and glacial acetic acid is different, and the use should be strictly in accordance with the formula requirements to avoid side effects caused by excessive use.
2. Storage conditions acetic acid should be stored in a cool, dry, ventilated place, avoid exposed to moisture and heat. Glacial acetic acid also needs to be stored in a cool, dark environment to prevent decomposition or contamination.
3. Stability: Acetic acid is easy to decompose under high temperature or strong acidic conditions, while glacial acetic acid is relatively stable, but it may also decompose at high temperature.

6. Summary

there are significant differences between acetic acid and glacial acetic acid in chemical properties, physical properties and uses. Acetic acid is an acidic substance, mainly used as a stabilizer under acidic conditions, while glacial acetic acid is a colorless liquid, commonly used as a solvent for temperature adjustment and chemical reactions. Understanding the difference between these two substances is important for proper use and storage. In actual operation, it is necessary to select appropriate substances according to specific needs and operate in strict accordance with the use specifications to ensure production safety and quality.