by
Kate Onissiphorou
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 is the use of acetic acid?
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. Other household products that contain acetic acid include window cleaners and some dishwashing liquids.
You can also make your own cleaning liquid by diluting acetic acid or vinegar. Not only is it effective in removing stains from ceramic surfaces like floor tiles, but it can also prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi on kitchen countertops. Plus, unlike other cleaning agents, acetic acid is non-toxic and biodegradable.
What foods contain acetic acid?
Acetic acid in the form of vinegar is a common food flavouring ingredient. Many recipes contain acetic acid, including warm potato salad with shallot dressing, chicken adobo with fried rice, and stewed steak ragù.
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.
Visit our online shop to buy acetic acid from one of the UK’s leading chemical suppliers.
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