 
Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is a clear colourless liquid compound which has a pungent, vinegar-like odour.
Its chemical formula is C2H4O2, or more precisely CH3COOH.
The most common use of acetic acid is as vinegar. Vinegar is a solution of acetic acid diluted in water to a concentration of between 5% and 20%, depending on its use. It's used directly as a condiment, in the pickling of vegetables, and in other foods. Large quantities of acetic acid are used to make products such as ink for textile printing, dyes, photographic chemicals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, rubber and plastics. It is also used in some household cleaning products to remove lime scale. Acetic acid at any concentration is irritating to skin and mucous membranes and upon inhalation of its fumes can cause breathing difficulty. Vinegar in Canada is made by fermenting carbohydrates into alcohol and then acetic acid. Ingredients used include fruits, such as apples and grapes, as well as honey, maple syrup, or other carbohydrates such as fermented grains including malt, rice, or potatoes. Acetic acid is present in nature as a normal product of the metabolism of both plants and animals. |