Acetic Acid

1Identification

Name

Acetic Acid

IUPAC name

acetic acid

CAS number

64-19-7

EC number

200-580-7

Molecular formula

C2H4O2

Molecular weight

60.05 g/mol

InChIKey

QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CC(=O)O

PubChem CID

176

Synonyms

acetic acid, ethanoic acid, Ethylic acid, Vinegar acid, Acetic acid glacial, Glacial acetic acid, Acetic acid, glacial, Methanecarboxylic acid, Acetasol, Essigsaeure, Acide acetique, Aci-jel, Azijnzuur, Aceticum acidum

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Acetic Acid
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Used to manufacture acetic anhydride and other organic chemicals used in the plastic, pharmaceutical, dye, insecticide, textile, rubber, and photographic industries; [ACGIH] Used in photography (stop bath); [www.ci.tucson.az.us/arthazards/medium.html] Used as a wet etchant in semiconductor manufacturing at standard concentrations of 36% or 99.5%; [CSH, p. 46] Used in the bating and tanning stages of leather production; [PMID 21938525]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Semiconductor Manufacturing [Category: Industry] Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry] Leather Tanning and Processing [Category: Industry] Photographic Processing [Category: Other] Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing) [Category: Industry] Burning Natural Polymers [Category: Burn] Burning Synthetic Polymers [Category: Burn]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Plating agent Chemical reaction regulator pH regulating agent Processing aids not otherwise specified Monomers Semiconductor and photovoltaic agent Other Lubricating agent Solvent Intermediates Aerating and deaerating agents Laboratory chemicals Chelating agent Drier Etching agent Processing aids, specific to petroleum production Anti-scaling agent Intermediate Preservative Corrosion inhibitor Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Soil amendments (fertilizers) Fragrance Cleaning agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Other Solvent pH regulating agent Semiconductor and photovoltaic agent Monomers Processing aids not otherwise specified Soil amendments (fertilizers) Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Diluent Corrosion inhibitor Cleaning agent Fragrance Laboratory chemicals Anti-scaling agent Intermediate
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Processing Aids and Additives · Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern · Food additives · Fragrance Ingredients

Description

• Acetic acid, glacial appears as a clear colorless liquid with a strong odor of vinegar. Flash point 104 °F. Density 8.8 lb / gal. Corrosive to metals and tissue. Used to make other chemicals, as a food additive, and in petroleum production.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Acetic acid, solution, more than 10% but not more than 80% acid appears as a colorless aqueous solution. Smells like vinegar. Corrosive to metals and tissue.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Acetic acid, solution, more than 80% acid is a clear colorless aqueous solution with a pungent odor.
  CAMEO Chemicals

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS05

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

6 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Breathing of vapors causes coughing, chest pain, and irritation of nose and throat; may cause nausea andvomiting. Contact with skin and eye causes burns. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]: TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Methyl bromoacetate (UN2643) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears). Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 132 [Flammable Liquids - Corrosive]: May cause toxic effects if inhaled or ingested. Contact with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation, especially when in closed or confined areas. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating vapor generated when heated. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]: Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be transported in a molten form. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 132 [Flammable Liquids - Corrosive]: Flammable/combustible material. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along the ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks, etc.). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids will float on water. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Hazards summary

• Liquid causes second degree burns after contact for a few minutes; [CHRIS] Highly corrosive to skin; [Quick CPC] Glacial refers to a number of acids, e.g., acetic and phosphoric, which have a freezing point slightly below room temperature when in a highly pure state. For example, glacial acetic acid is 99.8% pure and crystallizes at 16.6 C. [Hawley] Household vinegar is usually a 5% solution. Use skin protection if >10% solution of acetic acid. The vapor can cause lacrimation. [HSDB] A case of RADS and a case of asthma caused by glacial acetic acid have been reported in the medical literature. [Rajan, 1989; Kivity, 1994] Pulmonary edema may result from inhalation of high concentrations.
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]: Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required. Removal of solidified molten material from skin requires medical assistance. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 132 [Flammable Liquids - Corrosive]: Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: For corrosives, in case of contact, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 30 minutes. Additional flushing may be required. In case of burns, immediately cool affected skin for as long as possible with cold water. Do not remove clothing if adhering to skin. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Symptoms of exposure

• Sore throat. Cough. Burning sensation. Headache. Dizziness. Shortness of breath. Laboured breathing.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Pain. Redness. Skin burns. Blisters.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain. Severe burns. Loss of vision.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Use water spray, dry chemical, "alcohol resistant" foam, or carbon dioxide. Use water to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• /When fighting fire/ use self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Toxic gases and vapors (such as carbon monoxide) may be released in a fire involving acetic acid.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 132 [Flammable Liquids - Corrosive]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Spill cleanup

• Remove all ignition sources. Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Cautiously neutralize spilled liquid with sodium carbonate only under the responsibility of an expert.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Collect leaking liquid in sealable containers. Cautiously neutralize spilled liquid with sodium carbonate only under the responsibility of an expert. Wash away remainder with plenty of water (extra personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Remove all ignition sources, ventilate area of spill or leak. If in liquid form, for small quantities, absorb on paper towels ... large quantities can be collected & atomized in suitable combustion chamber, or diluted ... neutralized & flushed into a sewer. If in the solid form, collect in the most safe & convenient manner for reclamation or allow to melt & collect as above.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: soak up with inert absorbent material (e.g. sand, silica gel, acid binder, universal binder, sawdust). Contain spillage, soak up with non-combustible absorbent material, (e.g. sand, earth, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite) and transfer to a container for disposal according to local/national regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Separated from food and feedstuffs, strong oxidants, strong acids and strong bases. Store only in original container. Well closed. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Store in a dry, well-ventilated place. Separate from oxidizing materials and alkaline substances.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Fireproof. Separate from food and feedstuffs. Keep in a well-ventilated room.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ... Quantities greater than 1 liter should be stored in tightly sealed metal containers in areas separate from oxidizers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Acetic acid: Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT (>10%) - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. (>10%) Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED (>10%) - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. (>10%) Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED (>10%) - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. (>10%) Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 132 [Flammable Liquids - Corrosive]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• 500 ppm: Chemical cartridge respirator with an organic vapor cartridge(s) with a full facepiece or gas mask with an organic vapor canister (chin-style or front- or back-mounted canister) or supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece, helmet, or hood, or self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece. 1000 ppm: Type C supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode or with a full facepiece, helmet, or hood operated in continuous-flow mode. Escape: Gas mask with an organic vapor canister (chin-style or front- or back-mounted canister) self-contained breathing apparatus.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• NIOSH/OSHA Up to 50 ppm: (APF = 25) Any supplied-air respirator operated in a continuous-flow mode (APF = 25) Any powered, air-purifying respirator with organic vapor cartridge(s) (APF = 50) Any chemical cartridge respirator with a full facepiece and organic vapor cartridge(s) (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted organic vapor canister (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece (APF = 50) Any supplied-air respirator with a full facepiece Emergency or planned entry into unknown concentrations or IDLH conditions: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece an…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• Mixing acetic acid in equal molar portions with any of the following substances in a closed container caused the temperature and pressure to increase: 2-Aminoethanol, chlorosulfonic acid, ethylene diamine, ethyleneimine [NFPA 1991]. Acetic acid or acetic anhydride can explode with nitric acid if not kept cold. Potassium hydroxide residue in a catalyst pot reacted violently when acetic acid was added [MCA Case History 920. 1963]. During the production of terephthalic acid, n-xylene is oxidized in the presence of acetic acid. During these processes, detonating mixtures may be produced. Addition of a small amount of water may largely eliminate the risk of explosion [NFPA 491M.1991.p. 7].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• ACETIC ACID reacts exothermically with chemical bases. Subject to oxidation (with heating) by strong oxidizing agents. Dissolution in water moderates the chemical reactivity of acetic acid, A 5% solution of acetic acid is ordinary vinegar. Acetic acid forms explosive mixtures with p-xylene and air (Shraer, B.I. 1970. Khim. Prom. 46(10):747-750.).
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Flammable. Water soluble. Dissolution generates some heat.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Incompatibilities: carbonates, hydroxides, many oxides, and phosphates.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Cooling is necessary to prevent possible explosion from contact of potassium permanganate (or the calcium or sodium salts) with acetic acid
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Liquid acetic acid will attack some forms of plastics, rubber, and coatings.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Stable under normal laboratory storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Eyes, skin, respiratory system, teeth
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. Inhalation may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on eyes and/or airways have become manifest.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolongated exposure to an aerosol of this substance. Risk of tooth erosion upon repeated or prolongated exposure to an aerosol of this substance.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN numbers: UN 2789, UN 2790

Shipping name

• UN 2789; Acetic acid, glacial or acetic acid solution, with more than 80% acid, by mass
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• UN 2790; Acetic acid solution, not less than 50% but not more than 80% acid, by mass; Acetic acid solution, with more than 10% and less than 50% acid, by mass
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT hazard class

• Acetic acid, glacial or Acetic acid solution, with more than 80 percent acid, by mass
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• UN2789
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172
• Class 8 Corrosive material (49 eCFR § 173.136)
  US Code of Federal Regulations, Hazardous Materials, 49 CFR Part 172

DOT label

• Corrosive Flammable Liquid
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Corrosive
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Subsidiary Risks: 3; UN Pack Group: II
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 2789 132
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• 2790 153(10-80% acid)
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Acetic acid is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Residues of acetic acid are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to animals. Use: Catalyst. Limit: Not more than 0.5% of pesticide formulation.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Residues of the following chemical substances are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice as ingredients in an antimicrobial pesticide formulation, provided that the substance is applied on a semi-permanent or permanent food-contact surface (other than being applied on food packaging) with adequate draining before contact with food. (a) The following chemical substances when used as ingredients in an antimicrobial pesticide formulation may be applied to: Food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and food-processing equipment and utensils. Acetic acid is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Acetic acid is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 5000 lb or 2270 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations List identifies currently marketed prescription drug products, incl acetic acid, approved on the basis of safety and effectiveness by FDA under sections 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations identifies currently marketed prescription drug products, including acetic acid, glacial, approved on the basis of safety and effectiveness by FDA under sections 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 176 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.