Author
Home > Science > What is the Difference Between Acetic Acid and Glacial Acetic Acid?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Acetic Acid and Glacial Acetic Acid?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between acetic acid and glacial acetic acid lies in their concentration levels and water content. Here are the key differences between the two:

  • Acetic Acid: Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is a carboxylic acid composed of a carboxyl group. It is a main component of vinegar, apart from water and other trace elements. Acetic acid contains more water and is in its diluted form.
  • Glacial Acetic Acid: Glacial acetic acid is a concentrated form of acetic acid solution. It has less than 1% of water content and is considered a pure or concentrated form of acetic acid, also known as anhydrous acetic acid. Glacial acetic acid is colorless and highly corrosive due to its high concentration of acid.

In summary, acetic acid is a diluted form of acetic acid with a significant amount of water, while glacial acetic acid is a concentrated, purified, and anhydrous form of acetic acid with very little water content.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Acetic Acid and Glacial Acetic Acid?
  • Comparative Table: Acetic Acid vs Glacial Acetic Acid

    • Comparative Table: Acetic Acid vs Glacial Acetic Acid

    Here is a table comparing the differences between acetic acid and glacial acetic acid:

    Feature Acetic Acid Glacial Acetic Acid
    Water Content Contains a significant amount of water Contains less than 1% of water
    Crystallization Does not crystallize Crystallizes into ice-like crystals when temperatures fall below 16.7°C
    Acid Concentration Typically contains a high volume of water, suggesting it is a soluble product Contains 99.5% pure acetic acid and only 1% water, making it highly concentrated and corrosive
    Freezing Point No "glacier" effect due to freezing point depression caused by water content Freezes and forms crystals resembling ice at a temperature below 16.7°C, giving it a "glacier" effect

    In summary, the main difference between acetic acid and glacial acetic acid lies in their water content and acid concentration. Acetic acid contains a significant amount of water, while glacial acetic acid has a much lower water content and a higher acid concentration.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.