Asetaanhüdriidi

Asetaanhüdriidi is the common name for acetic anhydride, a chemical compound with the formula (CH3CO)2O. It is the simplest isolable carboxylic acid anhydride. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent, vinegar-like odor, although it is less pungent than acetic acid. Asetaanhüdriidi is corrosive and a strong irritant. It reacts violently with water to form acetic acid.

Asetaanhüdriidi is primarily used as a deacetylating agent in the production of cellulose acetate, which is used in photographic film and textiles. It is also a key reagent in the synthesis of aspirin and other pharmaceuticals. In organic chemistry, it is widely used as an acetylating agent to introduce acetyl groups into molecules. This process is valuable for protecting functional groups during chemical reactions or for modifying the properties of compounds.

The industrial production of asetaanhiidriidi typically involves the carbonylation of methyl acetate. Older methods included the dehydration of acetic acid, but these are less common today due to lower efficiency. Its reactivity makes it a useful but hazardous chemical, requiring careful handling and storage. Due to its use in the illicit production of heroin from morphine, asetaanhiidriidi is a controlled substance in many countries.