From the dressings on our salads to the glues and paints that surround us, acetic acid is far more than just a household condiment. Though most people recognise it as the tangy component of vinegar, this simple organic compound has a surprisingly wide range of applications.
Beyond the kitchen, acetic acid plays a vital role in food preservation, industrial manufacturing, medicine, and cleaning products. Its versatility is thanks to the chemical properties that make it both an effective preservative and a valuable ingredient in countless chemical processes.
The many familiar and surprising applications of acetic acid highlight its importance as one of the most versatile substances in modern chemistry.
In this post:
Key Takeaways
Acetic acid is best known as the main component of vinegar, used for cooking, preservation, and flavouring
It’s a powerful ingredient in medicine, helping treat infections and even aiding in cancer detection
In households, vinegar’s cleaning and disinfecting properties make it a safe, eco-friendly cleaner
Industrially, acetic acid is essential in manufacturing adhesives, paints, plastics, and cosmetics
What Is Acetic Acid?
Acetic acid is an organic acid with a wide range of culinary, medicinal, and industrial applications. For thousands of years, humans have used acetic acid in the form of vinegar.
Around 10% of acetic acid is produced through the natural fermentation of sugar or ethanol, with the remaining 90% made using synthetic processes.
An estimated 75% of acetic acid produced for the chemical industry comes from the carbonylation of methanol.
What Are The Main Uses Of Acetic Acid?
Acetic acid is an incredibly versatile and useful chemical, with a myriad of applications across different fields. Some of the most common uses include:
Food Preparation
The most well-known application of acetic acid is in the culinary industry, where it’s used in the form of vinegar. A product of fermentation, vinegar contains about 4% to 6% acetic acid. It’s been used as a condiment, flavouring, and preservative in the pickling process since ancient times. Vinegar is also a common ingredient in many processed food products, like mayonnaise.
Medicinal Use
Acetic acid, or vinegar, has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. There’s even evidence to suggest the ancient Egyptians documented its medicinal properties. Vinegar’s antiseptic qualities make it an effective disinfectant for wounds and infections.
Household Use
Acetic acid in the form of vinegar is one of the most common chemicals found in households. It’s used to cook various dishes and is a popular condiment. Vinegar also makes a great cleaning solution and is often used to remove stains around the home.
Industrial Applications
Acetic acid has various industrial applications. Not only does it act as a precursor or reagent in many chemical processes, but it’s also used to produce several synthetic products.
One of the main applications of acetic acid is the production of vinyl acetate monomer, which accounts for a third of the acid’s global consumption. The monomer is polymerised into polyvinyl acetate or another type of polymer and is then used to manufacture paint and adhesives.
Esters, which are used as solvents for inks and coatings, are also produced using acetic acid. They’re synthesised from the catalytic reaction between acetic acid and alcohol.
An important acetylation agent, acetic anhydride is used to synthesise various materials, such as cellulose acetate. Some medicines are also made via the acetylation process. For example, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is produced through the acetylation of salicylic acid.
Cosmetic Products
Various cosmetic products have acetic acid in their formulations. Acetic acid is used as an ingredient in hair conditioners, shampoos, and other hair care products. Derivatives of acetic acid such as alkyl acetates and acetate salts are also used to make perfumes and skin conditioners.
What Is Acetic Acid Used For In Medicine?
Acetic acid has antiseptic properties, so it can be used in medicines which treat bacterial and fungal infections. It can inhibit the growth of various species of bacteria such as streptococci, staphylococci, pseudomonas, and enterococci.
Particularly effective against skin infections caused by pseudomonas strains that are resistant to antibiotics, acetic acid is also used to flush the bladder of those who have a urinary catheter to prevent blockage and infection.
It’s also very useful as a screening agent for cervical cancer. Acetic acid is applied to the cervix and if some areas turn white, the test is positive. It’s also used in chromoendoscopy for detecting the early stages of gastric cancers.
What Household Products Contain Acetic Acid?
Vinegar is the main household product that contains acetic acid, albeit in a very low concentration. As we’ve already mentioned, vinegar is used as a condiment and food flavouring, but it is also commonly found in household cleaning products, such as window cleaners and some dishwashing liquids.
What Foods Contain Acetic Acid?
Acetic acid in the form of vinegar is a common food flavouring ingredient. Many recipes contain acetic acid, as its sharp, tangy flavour enhances a wide variety of dishes, acting as both a seasoning and a natural preservative. Vinegar adds brightness and balance to foods, cutting through richness and elevating other flavours in a recipe.
From a warm potato salad with shallot dressing, where the vinegar adds a gentle acidity that complements the earthy potatoes, to chicken adobo with fried rice, where it provides the dish’s distinctive sour-savoury character, acetic acid plays a key role. It’s also essential in hearty meals such as stewed steak ragù, helping to tenderise the meat while deepening the overall flavour.
Is Acetic Acid in Vinegar?
Vinegar is an aqueous solution of acetic acid with a concentration of about 4% to 6%. It also contains trace impurities of minerals, starch, and sugar.
Other Foods Containing Acetic Acid
Aside from dishes that have vinegar as a main ingredient, acetic acid can also be found in many processed food products. These include:
- Marinades
- Mustard
- Salad dressings
- Sauces
- Canned fruits
- Mayonnaise
- Pickled products
Is Acetic Acid Harmful To Humans?
At low concentrations, such as those found in vinegar and processed food products, acetic acid is not harmful. It has to be at a concentration of least 25% before it can inflict serious injuries. Contact with highly-concentrated acetic acid can cause burns and may even damage the eyes.
Conclusion
From the kitchen to the laboratory, acetic acid proves to be one of the most versatile and valuable organic compounds in use today. Its presence in food, medicine, household products, and industrial manufacturing underscores just how integral it is to everyday life.
