Peracetic acid
| Names | |
|---|---|
| IUPAC name
Ethaneperoxoic acid
| |
| Other names
Acetic peroxide
Acetyl hydroperoxide Peroxyacetic acid Proxitane | |
| Properties | |
| C2H4O3 CH3CO3H CH3COOOH | |
| Molar mass | 76.05 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Acetic |
| Density | 1.0375 g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 0 °C (32 °F; 273 K) |
| Boiling point | 105 °C (221 °F; 378 K) |
| Miscible | |
| Solubility | Miscible with alcohols, carboxylic acids Soluble in ether |
| Vapor pressure | 14.5 mmHg (at 25 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 8.2 |
| Hazards | |
| Safety data sheet | Merck (38-40%) |
| Flash point | 40.5 °C (104.9 °F; 313.6 K) |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds
|
Acetic acid |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| Infobox references | |
Peracetic acid (also known as peroxyacetic acid) or PAA, is an organic compound, a carboxylic acid with the formula CH3CO3H.
Contents
Properties
Chemical
Peracetic acid will oxidize various alkenes to epoxides, though not all alkenes are susceptible.
Peracetic acid is a weaker acid than the parent acetic acid, with a pKa of 8.2.
Physical
Peracetic acid is a colorless liquid, with an acrid pungent smell, miscible with water.
Availability
Peracetic acid solutions are sold by various chemical suppliers.
Peracetic acid is always sold in solution as a mixture with acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide to maintain its stability. The concentration of the acid as the active ingredient can vary.
Preparation
Peracetic acid is produced industrially by the autoxidation of acetaldehyde:
- O2 + CH3CHO → CH3CO3H
Mixing acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide with a strong acid catalyst will also give peracetic acid:
- H2O2 + CH3CO2H → CH3CO3H + H2O
Acetic anhydride can be used to generate low water content peracetic acid.
Peracetic acid is generated in situ by some laundry detergents. This route involves the reaction of tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) in the presence of an alkaline hydrogen peroxide solution.
Projects
- Make epoxides
- Antimicrobial agent
Handling
Safety
Peracetic acid is highly corrosive and at high concentrations it may violently decompose.
Storage
In closed bottles, best with a pressure release stopper.
Disposal
Strongly dilute in in water, then neutralize it with a base.
