acétate

Acetate is a common chemical term referring to the anion, radical, or salt derived from acetic acid. Chemically, it is represented by the formula CH₃COO⁻. It is the conjugate base of acetic acid. Acetate ions are found in a wide range of compounds and play significant roles in various biological and industrial processes. For example, acetate is a crucial component of acetyl-CoA, a central molecule in cellular metabolism, involved in the citric acid cycle and fatty acid synthesis. In the industrial sector, acetate salts are used in numerous applications. Ethyl acetate and vinyl acetate are widely employed as solvents and in the production of polymers like polyvinyl acetate, which is used in adhesives and paints. Cellulose acetate, derived from cellulose, is a versatile material used in photographic film, textiles (rayon), and cigarette filters. Sodium acetate is often used as a food additive (E262) for flavoring and as a preservative. It is also utilized in heat packs and as a buffering agent in chemical reactions. Potassium acetate is another salt with applications as a de-icing agent and in fire extinguishers. The presence of the acetate group is characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) adjacent to an ether or ester linkage (C-O).