*Acetic Acid* `CH3COOH`
aka *Ethanoic Acid, Vinegar Acid, E260*
It’s the acid that gives vinegar its sour taste and smell.
# *Main Types & Uses*
# *1. Food Grade - "Vinegar"*
- *Table Vinegar*: 4% - 8% acetic acid in water. Used for cooking, pickling, salad dressing.
- *Food Preservative E260*: Stops bacteria/mold in pickles, sauces, ketchup, mayonnaise.
- *Flavoring*: Gives that tangy/sour taste.
- *Regulation*: Must be labeled "Food Grade" or "FCC Grade". Made by fermenting sugar/alcohol.
# *2. Industrial Grade*
- *Much stronger*: 80% - 99.8% "Glacial Acetic Acid". "Glacial" means pure, it °C like ice.
- *Uses*:
1. *Chemical manufacturing*: Making plastics, paints, adhesives, textiles
2. *Solvent*: In labs and industry
3. *Textile*: Dyeing and printing
4. *Pharma*: Making aspirin