Georg Stahl, a German chemist, first isolated glacial acetic acid from vinegar in 1700. Commercially, the acid is usually produced by such chemical processes as the oxidation of acetaldehyde with air in the presence of catalysts. Acetaldehyde is itself formed from the oxidation of ethylene obtained from petroleum. One of the chief uses of acetic acid is as an intermediate for making other chemicals. Manufacturers convert it into acetic anhydride and acetate esters.
Acetic anhydride is used to make acetate fibers and cellulose acetate, a plastic.
Ethyl acetate is an important ester used as a solvent for varnishes and in nail polish remover. As a reagent, acetic acid is used to make synthetics, rubber, and aspirin and other pharmaceuticals. It is also widely used as an acid and solvent. Acetic acid is a colorless liquid with a sharp, irritating odor. It is a caustic substance, and concentrated forms of it can cause severe burns.