Acetic acid

Acetic acid, or ethanoic acid, is a carboxylic acid. It is the main compound of vinegar, other than water. The chemical formula is CH3COOH (also written as CH3CO2H, HC2H3O2, or C2H4O2).

It tastes and smells sour; it has no color. Its melting point is 16.5 °C (61.6 °F) and its boiling point is 118.1 °C (244.5 °F). It has a pH of 2.4.

Acetic acid is commonly used as a food additive. It has the E numbers E 260 (acetic acid). 

Potassium acetate (E 261), sodium acetate (E 262), and calcium acetate (E 2639) are salts of acetic acid; they are commonly used to preserve food, usually vegetables. In sourdough, ethanol fermentation is used.

References

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Category:Acids
Category:Solvents