Buy factory price Glacial Acetic Acid CAS NO. 64-19-7 wholesale
Introduction
Glacial Acetic Acid (GAA), the concentrated form of acetic acid, is a colorless liquid with a pungent vinegar-like odor. It is a versatile chemical widely used in laboratory research, industrial processes, and commercial applications.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Glacial Acetic Acid, covering:
- Chemical properties and structure
- Research and industrial applications
- Safety and handling guidelines
- Regulatory compliance
Glacial Acetic Acid: Properties, Applications, Safety, and Regulatory Guidelines
Informational: Chemical Properties of Glacial Acetic Acid
- Chemical Formula: CH₃COOH
- Molecular Weight: 60.05 g/mol
- Appearance: Colorless, clear liquid
- Boiling Point: 118 °C
- Density: 1.049 g/cm³
- CAS Number: 64-19-7
- Purity: Typically ≥99.5%
Key Characteristics
- Acidity: Strong organic acid, fully miscible with water and most polar solvents.
- Hygroscopic: Absorbs moisture from the atmosphere, forming aqueous acetic acid.
- Reactivity: Reacts with bases, alcohols, and amines; corrosive to metals and tissues.
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions but should be protected from heat and open flame.
Glacial Acetic Acid is named “glacial” because it solidifies just below room temperature (~16.7 °C), forming ice-like crystals.
Navigational: Laboratory and Research Applications
Glacial Acetic Acid is a critical reagent in laboratories:
- Chemical Synthesis:
- Used to produce acetate esters, anhydrides, and other derivatives.
- Acts as a solvent in Fischer esterification and other organic reactions.
- Buffer Preparation:
- Key component in acetate buffers for biochemical and molecular biology experiments.
- Histology and Microscopy:
- Used in fixatives and staining solutions to preserve tissue samples.
- Analytical Chemistry:
- Serves as a solvent and reagent in chromatography, titration, and spectroscopy.
Glacial Acetic Acid is essential for controlled laboratory experiments and high-purity analytical procedures.
Commercial and Industrial Applications
Beyond laboratories, Glacial Acetic Acid has numerous industrial uses:
- Vinyl Acetate Monomer Production: For adhesives, paints, and coatings.
- Polyester and PET Manufacturing: Key feedstock in polymer industries.
- Food Industry: As E260 for pickling, flavoring, and preservative applications (diluted form only).
- Textile Industry: Dyeing and finishing processes.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Precursor for acetic anhydride, acetates, and other derivatives.
Industrial applications rely on bulk supply and compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
Safety and Handling Guidelines
Glacial Acetic Acid is corrosive and hazardous; strict safety measures are required:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, goggles, acid-resistant lab coat, and fume hood for vapors.
- Storage:
- Store in cool, dry, ventilated areas.
- Use corrosion-resistant containers (glass or specific plastics).
- First Aid Measures:
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Skin Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water; remove contaminated clothing.
- Eye Contact: Flush immediately for 15–20 minutes; consult a physician.
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek medical care immediately.
- Spill Management:
- Neutralize with sodium bicarbonate or lime, then collect according to hazardous waste disposal regulations.
Regulatory and Legal Considerations
Glacial Acetic Acid is widely regulated due to its corrosive nature and potential use in chemical synthesis:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Exposure limits and handling protocols.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Regulates disposal and environmental release.
- Transport Regulations: Classified as a corrosive liquid under DOT, IATA, and IMDG regulations.
- Food and Pharmaceutical Compliance: Diluted acetic acid must meet food-grade or USP standards for legal use.
Laboratories and industrial facilities must adhere to MSDS requirements, labeling, and safe storage protocols.
Commercial and Transactional Guidance
Purchasing Glacial Acetic Acid
- Purity Grade:
- Laboratory grade: ≥99.5% for research and analytical applications
- Industrial grade: Typically 99–99.5% for bulk chemical synthesis
- Supplier Verification:
- Purchase from ISO-certified or GMP-compliant suppliers.
- Check Certificates of Analysis (COA) for purity, water content, and trace metals.
- Storage and Logistics:
- Use acid-resistant containers and secure transport.
- Follow hazardous material shipping regulations.
- Pricing and Bulk Orders:
- Bulk industrial orders offer cost efficiency but require regulatory approval and safety protocols.
Analytical and Laboratory Use Case
In histology labs, a 3–5% acetic acid solution is commonly used in fixatives or staining protocols:
- Dilute glacial acetic acid in water or buffer to desired concentration.
- Prepare fixatives for tissue preservation or protein crosslinking.
- Handle under a fume hood to avoid inhalation of vapors.
This use underscores its essential role in controlled laboratory procedures.
Environmental Considerations
- Neutralize spills with alkaline solutions before disposal.
- Avoid direct discharge into waterways due to acidity and corrosivity.
- Diluted solutions in food and industrial applications are environmentally safer but still require regulatory oversight.
Conclusion
Glacial Acetic Acid (GAA) is a versatile chemical with applications in research, industrial, and commercial sectors. Its strong acidity, solvent properties, and reactivity make it indispensable in chemical synthesis, analytical chemistry, and industrial manufacturing.
By sourcing from certified suppliers, adhering to safety protocols, and complying with regulatory requirements, GAA can be used safely and effectively across laboratory, industrial, and commercial contexts.
Keywords Included
- Glacial Acetic Acid
- GAA chemical properties
- Laboratory-grade Glacial Acetic Acid
- Industrial Glacial Acetic Acid applications
- Acetic acid safety and handling
- Analytical chemistry reagent
- Regulatory compliance Glacial Acetic Acid









