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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Glacial Acetic Acid and Vinegar?

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The main difference between glacial acetic acid and vinegar lies in their concentration and water content.

Glacial Acetic Acid:

  • Contains less than 1% water content.
  • Almost 99% pure acetic acid.
  • Produced when acetic acid reaches its melting point, forming a glacier-like substance.
  • Can cause skin burns, permanent eye damage, and corrode metals.
  • Used in laboratories and industrial settings.

Vinegar:

  • Contains 4-6% acetic acid in water.
  • A diluted form of acetic acid.
  • Found in household items like vinegar and used as a food additive.
  • Harmless in low concentrations, but can cause irritation in higher concentrations.
  • Used in cooking, salads, pickling, and canning.

In summary, glacial acetic acid is a concentrated and highly pure form of acetic acid, while vinegar is a less concentrated and more diluted form containing a lower percentage of acetic acid. Glacial acetic acid is typically found in laboratory and industrial settings, whereas vinegar is commonly used in cooking and household applications.

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  • What is the Difference Between Glacial Acetic Acid and Vinegar?
  • Comparative Table: Glacial Acetic Acid vs Vinegar

    • Comparative Table: Glacial Acetic Acid vs Vinegar

    Here is a table comparing the differences between glacial acetic acid and vinegar:

    Property Glacial Acetic Acid Vinegar
    Chemical Formula CH3COOH CH3COOH
    Molar Mass 60 g/mol 60 g/mol
    Concentration 99% or higher (low water content) 3-9% (high water content)
    Appearance Colorless liquid, forms ice-like crystals at temperatures below 16.5°C Aqueous solution, may contain trace flavorings
    Freezing Point 16.5°C (glacial acetic acid freezes, forming crystals) Freezing point depression due to high water content (no glacier effect)
    Uses Industrial applications, ink, perfume, dye manufacture, pickling agent Cooking, salad dressings, pickling, canning, cleaning agent, baking ingredient
    Safety Corrosive, can cause injury or irritation to skin, eyes, and nose Safe for consumption, classified as a weak acid

    The main difference between glacial acetic acid and vinegar is their acid concentration levels. Glacial acetic acid is a highly concentrated form of acetic acid, containing less than 1% water content, while vinegar is a less concentrated form of acetic acid with a higher water content (around 3-9%).

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.