High Quality Ethanoic Acid, Supplied by ReAgent Chemicals
Ethanoic acid, a.k.a. acetic acid, is a colourless solution with the formula C2H4O2. Known for its pungent, sour odour, it is best known as the main component in vinegar and as the simplest of the carboxylic acids.
While it is a weak acid, it is flammable and, when exposed to temperatures above 39°C, can produce explosive vapour/air mixtures. This makes acetic acid a volatile organic compound, as classified by the National Pollutant Inventory.
Properties of acetic acid:
- Specific gravity: 1.049 at 25°C
- Melting point: 16.7°C
- Acidity: Weak pH of c. 2.4
- Flash point: 39°C (103°F)
Ethanoic acid, the chemical name for this solution, has a diverse range of applications. It is a food preservative and flavour enhancer, a cleaning and descaling agent, and a vital chemical in the manufacturing of various substances, including synthetic fibres (e.g. acetate fibres), plastics (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate), and solvents.
The versatility of this acid makes it crucial to various industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, textiles – the list goes on.
The Purification of Our Ethanoic Acid
As leading ethanoic acid manufacturers, ReAgent ensures maximum purity and backs its products with a 100% quality guarantee. We offer two grades of glacial ethanoic acid: one for general use and one for laboratory use. Each product has:
- Purity limit of >99.5%
- Maximum limits of impurities, including:
- Iron: <2 ppm
- Formic acid: <0.05%
- Non volatile matter: <0.005%
Meanwhile, our 50% v/v ethanoic acid solution has a purity limit of 49.5-50.5% v/v. We also offer bespoke blending services on this product so that you can get the solution that meets your exact needs.
The guaranteed purity and variable concentration of our solutions make them excellent choices for a range of different uses. When you buy ethanoic acid from ReAgent, you’re buying from an ISO accredited company that isn’t afraid to go that extra mile for its customers.
Uses of Ethanoic Acid
Ethanoic acid is a versatile and widely used organic compound, finding applications in pharmaceuticals, cleaning products, chemical manufacturing, oil and gas processes, and even the tanning industry.
Here is an overview of the uses of ethanoic acid:
- Food and beverages: It is the main component of vinegar, making up roughly 4-8% by volume and creating the characteristic sour taste and smell. In this way, ethanoic acid is used as a flavour enhancer, food preservative, and pickling agent
- Cleaning products: In diluted form, ethanoic acid is a key ingredient in many household cleaning products. It is effective at removing stains, grease, and mineral deposits from various surfaces
- Pharmaceuticals: Ethanoic acid is used as a pH adjuster, buffering agent, preservative, among other things, in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. It is particularly useful in dissolving and stabilising certain drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) during the drug manufacturing process
- Textiles: Its acidic properties and ability to react with certain fabrics and dyes makes this compound useful to the textile industry, where it is used for the dyeing and printing of fabrics
- Chemical manufacturing: Ethanoic acid is a precursor to various chemicals, such as acetic anhydride, which is used in the production of cellulose acetate (used in photographic films, textiles, and plastics) and aspirin. It is also commonly used as a reagent in laboratories for various chemical reactions
- Solvents: Ethanoic acid also serves as a solvent in several applications, including the production of inks, coatings, and paint formulations. This is because of its high solubility, polar and acidic nature, and low toxicity
- Oil and gas processes: There are many applications of ethanoic acid in the oil and gas industry. To name a few, it is used for removing mineral deposits and rust from equipment, in well and acid stimulation treatments, as a feedstock in the production of methanol, and as a component in gas sweetening processes
- Tanning: In leather tanning, ethanoic acid is used to prepare hides before further processing. This process is known as pickling. Ethanoic acid is used here because of its antimicrobial properties
We offer ethanoic acid for various applications, from laboratory grade to general use, and are able to formulate different concentrations depending on your needs.
For example, the anhydrous and highly concentrated solutions ReAgent manufactures, commonly known as glacial solutions, are the purest form of ethanoic acid. By containing no water, they are ideal for applications where the absence of water is essential or beneficial, like analytical chemistry, polymer and resin production, and certain chemical reactions.
ReAgent’s Quality Assurances
All of our products come with a 100% quality guarantee. We can offer this due to the stringent Quality Management Systems (QMS) we comply with as well as the list of ISO Standards we are accredited to, including:
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Standard
- ISO 14001: 2015 Environmental Standard
- ISO 13485:2016 QMS Standard for Medical Devices
- ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health & Safety Standard
These demonstrate our ongoing commitment to ensuring quality and responsible ways of working at every stage of production.
Why Choose ReAgent Chemicals as Your Ethanoic Acid Manufacturer?
At ReAgent, we’ve been manufacturing and supplying chemicals for nearly 50 years. Our commitment to quality and providing excellent customer service is what sets us apart from the crowd, and positions us as one the leading ethanoic acid suppliers in the UK.
We supply ethanoic acid in 2.5L and 25L containers, with discounts available for bulk orders over four items. We also offer further options on all our products, such as:
- Personalised packaging
- Customised labelling
- Specific pack sizes
- Bespoke blending
We take a collaborative approach with our customers to ensure all of your needs are met. Whether it’s developing a bespoke solution or advising you on the most efficient production methods, our expert team works with you every step of the way.
If you prefer a more hands-off approach, we also have the industry and technical expertise to take the reins and run with them. This is also why we have made it easier and more secure than ever to buy ethanoic acid online. Simply place your order today and reap the benefits of bulk discounts and 24 hour shipping.
Ethanoic Acid Storage Guidelines
In its concentrated form, ethanoic acid can be corrosive and hazardous, so proper storage of this chemical is essential. Here are some key storage guidelines you should follow:
- Store in chemically resistant containers, such as glass or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Avoid using containers made of materials like aluminium or carbon steel, which may react with the acid
- Store in a well-ventilated area. Adequate ventilation helps to prevent the accumulation of potentially harmful vapours
- Store at room temperature or below. Avoid exposing it to excessive heat or direct sunlight as this could increase pressure within the container and cause leaks
- Have appropriate spill containment measures in place, such as spill kits and absorbent materials, to handle any accidental spills promptly and safely
To ensure you are handling and storing this compound safely, always refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the specific solution you are using. ReAgent’s MSDS for its ethanoic acid products are all available to read and download on the specific product pages. Find the links below:
Buy ethanoic acid today from ReAgent and receive unrivalled quality and outstanding customer service. You can also browse our wide range of chemical products, or, if you have a more bespoke request, simply contact our knowledgeable team for further information or free technical advice.