Acetic Acid

Food Grade · Glacial / Industrial Grade — Bulk supply across India & International Markets

What is Acetic Acid?

Acetic Acid is one of the most important and versatile organic acids in industrial and food chemistry, supplied commercially in glacial (concentrated, 99.5%+) form for industrial use, or diluted to food-use concentrations for direct food applications. It is most familiar to consumers in its diluted form as the principal acid component of vinegar, while its concentrated glacial form serves as a foundational raw material across the textile, chemical synthesis, and various industrial manufacturing sectors.

Polychem Industries supplies Acetic Acid in food grade and glacial/industrial grade to vinegar manufacturers, food processing companies, textile dyeing operations, and chemical synthesis companies across India and internationally. Its versatility as both a food ingredient and a fundamental industrial chemical building block makes it one of the most widely used organic acids in commercial use.

Corrosive Material Notice

Glacial Acetic Acid is a corrosive liquid that can cause severe skin and eye burns on contact with the concentrated form, and is combustible. Handle only with appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, and ensure adequate ventilation. Full MSDS documentation should be reviewed before handling.

Available Grades

GradeFormPurityStandardApplications
Food GradeColourless liquid99.5%+ (Glacial) / Diluted to food-use concentrationFSSAI / FCC / E260Vinegar production, food preservation, pickling, condiments
Glacial / Industrial GradeColourless liquid99.5%+IndustrialTextile dyeing, chemical synthesis, rubber processing

Applications & Uses

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Vinegar Production

The most recognised food application. Acetic Acid, typically diluted to 4-8% concentration, is the principal acid component of vinegar, used directly as a food product and as an ingredient in countless other food preparations.

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Pickling & Food Preservation

Used extensively in pickling brines and food preservation applications, where its acidic properties inhibit microbial growth and contribute the characteristic tart flavour associated with pickled foods.

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Condiments & Sauces

Used in the production of various condiments, sauces, and dressings as an acidulant, contributing tartness and acting as a mild preservative in these food formulations.

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Textile Dyeing & Processing

Glacial Acetic Acid is widely used in textile dyeing operations as a pH adjusting agent, helping create the optimal acidic conditions required for certain dye classes to properly bond with textile fibres.

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Chemical Synthesis

Used as a fundamental raw material and solvent in the synthesis of numerous downstream chemicals, including vinyl acetate monomer, acetic anhydride, and various ester compounds used across multiple industries.

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Rubber & Latex Processing

Used in certain rubber and latex processing applications, including specific coagulation processes in natural rubber production requiring its acidic properties.

Technical Specifications

Acetic Acid — Key Properties

Chemical FormulaCH3COOH
CAS Number64-19-7
Molecular Weight60.05 g/mol
AppearanceColourless liquid with pungent, sharp odour
Purity99.5%+ (Glacial) / Diluted to food-use concentration
Boiling Point118°C
Density1.05 g/cm3 at 20°C (glacial)
pH2.0 – 3.0 (1% solution, acidic)
Packaging Available200 L drums / IBC tanks / Bulk tanker
StorageStore in cool, dry place in sealed containers away from heat and ignition sources. Glacial acetic acid is corrosive and combustible — handle accordingly.

Why Source Acetic Acid from Polychem Industries?

  • Food Grade (E260) and Glacial/Industrial Grade available
  • FSSAI compliant Food Grade supply with Certificate of Analysis
  • Reliable bulk supply for vinegar and food processing manufacturers
  • Wide industrial application across textile and chemical synthesis sectors
  • Competitive pricing with consistent year-round availability
  • Export documentation experience for international shipments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Food Grade and Glacial Acetic Acid?
Food Grade Acetic Acid is typically supplied or diluted to concentrations suitable for direct food use, meeting FSSAI and food safety purity standards. Glacial Acetic Acid refers to the concentrated, nearly water-free form (99.5%+) primarily used in industrial applications, requiring careful handling due to its corrosive nature, and is typically diluted by food processors to the much lower concentrations used in vinegar and other food products.
Why is it called "Glacial" Acetic Acid?
The term "glacial" refers to the ice-like crystalline appearance that pure, concentrated Acetic Acid can develop when cooled below approximately 16°C, its freezing point. This historical naming distinguishes the concentrated form from the more commonly encountered dilute aqueous solutions, such as household vinegar.
Is Acetic Acid the same chemical in industrial use and household vinegar?
Yes — the active acid compound is chemically identical (Acetic Acid/Ethanoic Acid) in both contexts. The key difference is concentration and purity grade: household vinegar contains dilute Acetic Acid (typically 4-8%) often produced through fermentation, while industrial glacial Acetic Acid is a much more concentrated, higher-purity material typically produced through chemical synthesis, used as a raw material before dilution or further processing for specific applications.
Do you export Acetic Acid outside India?
Yes. We export to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and South Africa with full export documentation. As a corrosive/combustible liquid, applicable dangerous goods regulations are followed during transport. Contact us for export pricing and lead times.

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