Ättikssyra

Ättikssyra, also known as acetic acid, is a chemical compound with the formula CH3COOH. It is a colorless liquid with a distinctive pungent odor and a sour taste. In its pure form, it is a solid at room temperature. Ättikssyra is a weak acid, meaning it does not fully dissociate in water.

It is a common component of vinegar, which typically contains 4-8% ättikssyra by volume. Vinegar is used extensively in cooking as a flavoring agent, a preservative, and for pickling. Beyond its culinary applications, ättikssyra has numerous industrial uses. It is a key ingredient in the production of vinyl acetate monomer, which is used to make polyvinyl acetate (PVA), a common adhesive and binder. It is also used in the manufacturing of cellulose acetate, a material used in photographic film and synthetic fibers.

In laboratories, ättikssyra is often used as a solvent and as a reagent in chemical reactions. It can also be found in some household cleaning products due to its acidic properties, which help in removing mineral deposits and grease. Exposure to concentrated ättikssyra can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Ingestion of large amounts can be harmful.