Acetaten

Acetates are a family of chemical compounds derived from acetic acid (CH3COOH). In general, the term covers inorganic acetates, which are salts containing the acetate anion CH3COO−, and organic acetates, which are esters of acetic acid formed with alcohols. The acetate ion is a weak base and forms salts that are typically soluble in water.

Common inorganic acetates include sodium acetate, potassium acetate, calcium acetate, and ammonium acetate. These salts are used widely as buffering agents and in food processing, manufacturing, and deicing applications. Sodium acetate, for example, serves as a buffering salt and is also used in heat packs that crystallize from supersaturated solutions. Ammonium acetate is used in analytical chemistry as a buffering source of acetate in electrophoresis and related techniques.

Organic acetates are esters such as methyl acetate and ethyl acetate. They are important solvents in industry and laboratories, found in paints, coatings, nail polish removers, inks, and various cleaning formulations. Ethyl acetate is particularly common due to its effective solvating properties and relatively low toxicity. These esters are typically prepared by esterification of acetic acid with the corresponding alcohol (for example, ethyl alcohol to form ethyl acetate) in the presence of an acid catalyst, or by transesterification of other acetates.

Safety and environmental considerations vary by compound. Ethyl acetate is flammable and should be handled with care; most acetates are of relatively low acute toxicity, but appropriate precautions are advised. In general, acetates are readily biodegradable and are managed under standard chemical hygiene and environmental guidelines.