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Acetic Acid manufacturers, suppliers, process and application

26/12/2023 03:12 PM

Post by Rameshwar M Paswan

Acetic acid is a colourless organic acid with the chemical formula CH3COOH. It is also known by names like ethanoic acid. Acetic acid is a key component in vinegar, which is a common daily use product. Here are some key facts about acetic acid:

  • Chemical Formula: CH3COOH

  • Molecular Weight: 60.05 g/mol

  • Physical Properties:

    • Acetic acid is a clear, colourless liquid with a distinctive sour taste and a pungent smell.

    • It is soluble in water and forms a weak, acidic solution.

    • It has a boiling point of around 118-119 degrees Celsius.

  • Sources:

    • Acetic acid is produced through the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria to produce vinegar. This is a common natural source of acetic acid.

    • Commercially, acetic acid is often produced through various chemical processes, including the methanol carbonylation process.

  • Uses:

    • The most well-known use of acetic acid is in the production of vinegar, which is widely used in culinary applications.

    • It is used as a solvent in the production of various chemicals and plastics.

    • Acetic acid is a key raw material in the manufacturing of acetate esters, which are used in the production of materials like textiles, films, and adhesives.

    • It is used in the production of photographic chemicals.

    • Acetic acid is employed in the food industry as an acidifier and preservative.

  • Safety Considerations:

    • Acetic acid is a corrosive substance and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Proper safety precautions should be taken when handling it.

    • Concentrated acetic acid can be hazardous, and appropriate protective equipment should be used.

  • Industrial Production:

    • Acetic acid is often produced on an industrial scale through various methods, including the methanol carbonylation process, which involves reacting methanol with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst.

Application of Acetic Acid 

Acetic acid has a wide range of applications across various industries due to its versatile properties. Here are some key applications of acetic acid:

  • Food Industry:

    • Vinegar Production: Acetic acid is the main component in vinegar, which is widely used in culinary applications for flavoring and preservation.

  • Chemical Industry:

    • Solvent: Acetic acid is a solvent for a variety of substances and is used in the production of paints, adhesives, and coatings.

    • Acetate Esters: It serves as a precursor for the production of acetate esters, which find applications in the manufacturing of textiles, films, and various plastics.

  • Textile Industry:

    • Acetate Fiber Production: Acetic acid is used in the production of cellulose acetate, a material that is used to make fibers for textiles.

  • Pharmaceutical Industry:

    • Synthesis: Acetic acid is used in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical compounds.

  • Photography:

    • Stop Bath Solution: In photography, acetic acid is used in the development process as a stop bath solution.

  • Laboratory and Research:

    • Chemical Analysis: Acetic acid is used in laboratories for chemical analysis and experimentation.

  • Cleaning and Descaling:

    • Cleaning Agent: Due to its acidic nature, acetic acid is used as a cleaning agent for various surfaces, including glass, metals, and ceramics.

    • Descaling Agent: It is also used to remove mineral deposits or scale from equipment and appliances.

  • Preservative:

    • Food Preservation: In addition to its role in vinegar, acetic acid is used as a preservative in some foods and condiments.

  • Plastics and Polymers:

    • Vinyl Acetate Production: Acetic acid is a key component in the production of vinyl acetate, which is used to make polymers and resins.

  • Medicine and Healthcare:

    • Medical Treatments: Acetic acid is used in certain medical treatments, such as in the treatment of ear infections (acetic acid otic solution).

  • Tanning Industry:

    • Leather Processing: Acetic acid is used in the tanning industry for leather processing.

Process of Manufacturing of Acetic Acid

Acetic acid is primarily produced through two main processes: fermentation and chemical synthesis. The industrial production of acetic acid often involves the chemical synthesis route, specifically the methanol carbonylation process. Here is an overview of the manufacturing processes:

1. Methanol Carbonylation Process:

a. Feedstocks:

  • Methanol: The primary raw material used in this process is methanol, which is derived from natural gas or other hydrocarbon sources.

b. Catalytic Reaction:

  • Catalyst: A catalyst, often a metal complex like rhodium, is used to facilitate the reaction.

  • Carbon Monoxide (CO): Methanol is reacted with carbon monoxide in the presence of the catalyst.

c. Formation of Acetic Acid:

  • The reaction produces acetic acid and water:

d. Separation and Purification:

  • The acetic acid is separated and purified from the reaction mixture.

e. Recycling:

  • Unreacted methanol and other by-products are often separated and recycled back into the process.

f. Product Recovery:

  • The purified acetic acid is recovered as the final product.

2. Fermentation Process:

a. Feedstocks:

  • Ethanol: In some cases, acetic acid can be produced through the fermentation of ethanol using acetic acid bacteria.

b. Fermentation:

  • Acetic acid bacteria convert ethanol into acetic acid in the presence of oxygen

c. Product Recovery:

  • The acetic acid is recovered from the fermentation broth through processes such as filtration and distillation.

d. Purification:

  • Purification steps may be employed to obtain a high-purity acetic acid.

3. Purification and Formulation:

After the acetic acid is produced, it undergoes purification steps to remove impurities and obtain the desired concentration. The final product may be formulated into various concentrations depending on its intended use. Diluted acetic acid solutions are often used in food and household applications, while more concentrated forms are used in industrial processes.

4. Environmental Considerations:

The manufacturing processes must adhere to environmental and safety standards. Efforts are made to minimize waste generation and energy consumption, and by-products are often treated or recycled.

It's important to note that the specific details of acetic acid manufacturing can vary among different manufacturers, and advancements in technology may lead to improvements in efficiency and sustainability over time. Additionally, the choice between the chemical synthesis and fermentation routes depends on economic and technical considerations.

Top 5 Acetic Acid Producing Countries: 

  • 1. China: China is a leading producer of acetic acid on a global scale. The country has a significant chemical industry, and many of its chemical companies are involved in the production of acetic acid.

  • 2. United States: The United States is another major producer of acetic acid. The chemical industry in the U.S. has several companies that are engaged in the production of acetic acid for various industrial applications.

  • 3. Taiwan: Taiwan has a notable presence in the global acetic acid market, with several companies contributing to production.

  • 4. Saudi Arabia: The Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, has become a significant player in the chemical industry. Saudi Arabia has invested in large-scale petrochemical complexes, contributing to acetic acid production.

  • 5. India: India has a growing chemical industry, and some companies in the country are involved in the production of acetic acid.

  • 6. Japan: Japan has a well-established chemical industry, and some companies in the country are engaged in the production of acetic acid.

Top 10 acetic acid manufacturing companies: 

  1. Eastman Chemical Company (United States):

  • Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a wide range of chemicals, including acetic acid.

  • 2. Celanese Corporation (United States):

    • Celanese is a major producer of chemicals and specialty materials, and it is involved in the production of acetic acid.

  • 3. LyondellBasell Industries (Netherlands/United States):

    • LyondellBasell is a multinational chemical company that produces various chemicals, including acetic acid.

  • 4. BP Chemicals (United Kingdom):

    • BP Chemicals is part of BP, one of the world's largest oil and gas companies. It is involved in the production of acetic acid and other chemical products.

  • 5. INEOS Group (Switzerland/United Kingdom):

    • INEOS is a multinational chemical company with a diverse portfolio, and it is involved in the production of acetic acid.

  • 6. Wacker Chemie AG (Germany):

    • Wacker Chemie is a global chemical company that produces a variety of chemicals, including acetic acid.

  • 7. SABIC (Saudi Arabia):

    • SABIC (Saudi Basic Industries Corporation) is a Saudi multinational chemical company that has a presence in various chemical sectors, including acetic acid production.

  • 8. Daicel Corporation (Japan):

    • Daicel is a Japanese chemical company with operations in various chemical segments, including the production of acetic acid.

  • 9. Showa Denko K.K. (Japan):

    • Showa Denko is a Japanese chemical company involved in the production of various chemicals, including acetic acid.

  • 10. Jiangsu Sopo (China):

    • Jiangsu Sopo Group is a Chinese chemical company engaged in the production of acetic acid and related chemicals.

Additional Source of Acetic Acid information:

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