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. Acetic acid mixes readily with water. Robert J. Ouellette, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry, Ohio State University. How to cite this article.