Acetic Acid (Food Grade)
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Food-grade acetic acid is a clear, colorless liquid organic compound with a pungent vinegar-like odor. It is a high-purity form of acetic acid specifically produced and processed for safe use in food applications. As the main component of vinegar (after dilution), it serves as a critical flavoring agent, pH adjuster, and preservative in the food industry. Food-grade acetic acid typically has a concentration of 80-100% (glacial acetic acid) or is diluted to lower concentrations (4-20%) for specific applications.
Description
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Primary Uses
Vinegar Production
- The most common use; diluted acetic acid (4-8%) is sold as white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and wine vinegar.
- Used in pickling, sauces, dressings, and condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise)
Food Preservation & Pickling
- Acts as a natural preservative (inhibits bacterial/fungal growth) in pickled vegetables, olives, and canned foods.
Flavor Enhancer & Acidulant
- Adds tangy/sour taste to snacks, chips, candies, and processed foods.
- Used in baked goods (as a leavening agent when combined with baking soda).
Bakery & Confectionery
- Helps in dough conditioning and pH adjustment in bread and pastry production.
- Used in candy glazes and gelatin desserts for texture control.
Dairy & Cheese Processing
- Used in cheese making (e.g., mozzarella, cottage cheese) for curd formation.
Secondary Uses
Beverage Industry
- Adjusts acidity in soft drinks, fruit juices, and alcoholic beverages.
Meat & Seafood Processing
- Helps in meat curing and marination (enhances tenderness and shelf life).
- Used in seafood preservation to prevent spoilage.
Food Packaging & Sanitization
- Applied as a disinfectant for food-contact surfaces in factories.
- Used in biodegradable food packaging materials.
Dietary Supplements
- Found in apple cider vinegar (ACV) capsules for health benefits.
Animal Feed Additive
- Used in livestock feed to improve digestion and prevent microbial growth.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Ethanoic acid
- Common/Trade Names:
- Food-grade acetic acid
- Vinegar acid (when diluted)
- Glacial acetic acid (concentrated, ≥99%)
- CAS Number: 64-19-7
- HS Code: 2915.21.00 (varies by country)
- Molecular Formula: C₂H₄O₂ (CH₃COOH)
- Synonyms:
- Methanecarboxylic acid
- Ethylic acid
- E260 (EU food additive code)
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Clear, colorless liquid (concentrated form is "glacial" due to freezing tendency)
- Color & Odor: Pungent vinegar-like odor
- Melting Point: 16.6°C (61.9°F) (solidifies at low temps)
- Boiling Point: 118.1°C (244.6°F)
- Density: 1.049 g/cm³ (25°C)
- Solubility:
- Miscible in water, ethanol, ether
- Insoluble in nonpolar solvents (e.g., hexane)
- pH Level: Strongly acidic (~2.4 at 1.0 M)
- Vapor Pressure: 15.7 mmHg (25°C)
- Flash Point: 39°C (102°F) (closed cup)
- Autoignition Temperature: 427°C (801°F)
- Viscosity: 1.22 mPa·s (25°C)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS):
- Corrosive (Category 1B)
- Flammable (Category 3)
- Skin/Eye Irritant (Category 1)
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 3
- Flammability: 2
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits:
- OSHA PEL: 10 ppm (25 mg/m³)
- ACGIH TLV: 10 ppm (25 mg/m³)
- Reactivity:
- Corrosive to metals (releases hydrogen gas)
- Reacts violently with oxidizers (e.g., perchlorates, chromic acid)
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions:
- Store in a cool, ventilated area (<25°C)
- Keep containers tightly sealed (prevents absorption of moisture)
- Avoid stainless steel (316 grade recommended for tanks)
- Incompatible Materials:
- Strong bases (e.g., NaOH), oxidizers, cyanides
- Container Type:
- Food-grade polyethylene (HDPE) or glass
- Stainless steel (for bulk storage)
- Shelf Life: Indefinite if stored properly (but may absorb water over time)
- Special Handling:
- Use chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile), goggles, and ventilation
- Food-grade handling requires FDA-compliant equipment
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Regulatory Status:
- FDA (USA): GRAS (21 CFR 184.1005)
- EFSA (EU): Approved (E260)
- JECFA: ADI = "Not specified" (safe at typical use levels)
- Hazard Symbols (GHS):
- Corrosion
- Flame (for concentrated forms)
- Transportation Restrictions:
- UN Number: 2789 (for >80% acetic acid)
- Hazard Class: 8 (Corrosive)
- Packing Group: II
- Waste Disposal:
- Neutralize with baking soda before disposal
- Follow EPA/RCRA guidelines (D002 for corrosivity)
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity:
- Low toxicity to aquatic life (LC50 > 100 mg/L for fish)
- Readily biodegradable
- Persistence in Environment:
- Breaks down rapidly in water/soil (days)
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity:
- IARC: Not classified
- NTP/OSHA: No carcinogenic risk
- Biodegradability: >90% in 28 days (OECD 301B)
SAFETY HANDLING
1. Safety Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Gloves (nitrile or neoprene for concentrated solutions).
- Safety goggles or face shield (essential for glacial acetic acid).
- Lab coat or apron to prevent skin contact.
- Respirator (if handling concentrated vapors in poorly ventilated areas).
Handling & Storage:
- Work in a well-ventilated area (use fume hood for glacial acetic acid).
- Avoid contact with strong oxidizers (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, nitric acid) → risk of violent reaction.
- Store in corrosion-resistant containers (HDPE, stainless steel, or glass).
- Keep away from heat and ignition sources (glacial acetic acid is flammable at high concentrations).
- Label containers clearly to prevent misuse.
Hygiene Measures:
- No eating, drinking, or smoking in handling areas.
- Wash hands thoroughly after use.
- Avoid inhalation of vapors (can irritate respiratory tract).
2. First Aid Measures
Inhalation (Vapors):
- Move to fresh air immediately.
- If breathing is difficult, give oxygen and seek medical attention.
Skin Contact:
- Dilute acetic acid (<10%): Rinse with water for several minutes.
- Glacial acetic acid (concentrated):
- Remove contaminated clothing.
- Rinse immediately with copious water for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek medical attention if burns or severe irritation occur.
Eye Contact:
- Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes (hold eyelids open).
- Seek immediate medical help (risk of corneal damage).
Ingestion:
- Do NOT induce vomiting (risk of re-exposure and esophageal damage).
- Rinse mouth with water.
- Drink milk or water to dilute (if conscious).
- Seek emergency medical attention immediately.
3. Firefighting Measures
Fire Hazards:
- Glacial acetic acid (≥99%) is flammable (flash point: 39°C / 102°F).
- Vapors can form explosive mixtures with air.
- Reacts violently with oxidizers (e.g., chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide).
Suitable Extinguishing Media:
- Alcohol-resistant foam
- CO₂
- Dry chemical powder
- Water spray (to cool containers, but do not use water jet—may spread flames).
Firefighting Precautions:
- Wear SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) and full protective gear.
- Cool nearby containers with water spray to prevent rupture.
- Ventilate area to prevent vapor accumulation.
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