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

Guilherme Mazui

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

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The main difference between glacial acetic acid and acetic anhydride lies in their concentration and structure:

  • Glacial Acetic Acid:
  • It is the concentrated form of acetic acid, containing very little water (nearly 1%).
  • Also known as anhydrous acetic acid, it is a colorless, corrosive liquid.
  • It freezes at 16°C, which is why it is sometimes referred to as "glacial".
  • Glacial acetic acid can cause irritation or damage to the skin, eyes, and nose due to its high concentration.
  • Acetic Anhydride:
  • It is the dehydrated form of acetic acid.
  • Acetic anhydride is an acid anhydride with the chemical formula (CH3CO)2O.
  • It is produced by heating potassium acetate with benzoyl chloride or through carbonylation of methyl acetate.
  • Acetic anhydride has a similar structure to acetic acid but with a lower concentration.

In summary, glacial acetic acid is a concentrated form of acetic acid with little water content, while acetic anhydride is the dehydrated form of acetic acid with a lower concentration.

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

    • Comparative Table: Glacial Acetic Acid vs Acetic Anhydride

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

    Property Glacial Acetic Acid Acetic Anhydride
    Chemical Formula CH3COOH (CH3CO)2O
    Systematic Name Ethanoic Acid Acetic Anhydride
    Molar Mass 60 g/mol 102 g/mol
    Water Content <1% 0%
    Freezing Point -16°C, forms ice-like crystals No freezing point, does not form crystals
    Appearance Colorless liquid Colorless liquid, strong acetic acid odor
    Irritation Corrosive, can cause injuries or irritation to skin, eyes, and nose Reacts with moisture in the air, forms acetic acid
    Uses Disinfectant, food additive, cleaning agent, pickling agent Organic synthesis reactions, production of cellulose acetate, acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, and aspirin

    Glacial acetic acid is a concentrated form of acetic acid with less than 1% water content. Acetic anhydride, on the other hand, is the dehydrated form of acetic acid and does not contain any water. The key difference between the two is their water content and reactivity in various organic synthesis reactions.

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    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.