
Acetic acid (Ethanoic acid) belongs to the family of carboxylic acids and is a colorless liquid which possesses a distinctive pungent smell and sour taste. It is classified as a weak acid although its concentrated form is corrosive in nature. Acetic acid is completely miscible in water and many other polar and non-polar solvents. It exhibits properties almost similar to other acids of the carboxylic family other than its unique property of forming ice like crystals, called if in the anhydrous form, a few degrees below the room temperature at approximately 16.6 °C, giving it the name of glacial acetic acid. Acetic acid finds its application as one of the most important chemical reagent in the chemical industry. It is primarily used in the production of cellulose acetate, polyvinyl acetate and in the manufacture of synthetic fibers and fabrics. Apart from its use in the chemical industry it finds major usage in household as a descaling agent food additive and as a condiment.