The acetic acid formula is CH3COOH, an organic acid, also called ethanoic acid or vinegar acid. Acetic acid, the smallest and most important of carboxylic acids, gives the pungent smell and sour taste of vinegar. The salt and ester of acetic acid, which is completely dissolved in water, is called acetate. Pure acetic acid has a sharp, colorless, pricking smell, boils at 118 degrees and freezes at 16.7 degrees.
Its main application areas are rubber industry, leather and textile industry, food industry, paint and pharmaceutical industry.