äädikhapped

äädikhapped is the Estonian term for acetic acid. Acetic acid is a simple carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH3COOH. It is an organic compound that is responsible for the characteristic sour taste and pungent smell of vinegar. In its pure form, it is a colorless liquid and is often referred to as glacial acetic acid.

Acetic acid is a weak acid and is soluble in water and many organic solvents. It is produced industrially through the carbonylation of methanol or by the oxidation of acetaldehyde. It is also a product of the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria.

This compound has numerous applications. In households, it is used as a food additive (E260) in vinegar, as a cleaning agent, and for pickling. In industry, it is a significant chemical intermediate used in the production of vinyl acetate monomer, which is a precursor to polyvinyl acetate used in paints and adhesives. It is also used in the production of cellulose acetate for photographic film and cigarette filters, and in the manufacture of various esters. Acetic acid is also employed in laboratories as a reagent and solvent. In medicine, diluted acetic acid has some antiseptic properties.