Acetic anhydride is a colorless, pungent-smelling liquid organic compound used in organic synthesis, cellulose acetate production, and aspirin manufacturing.
| IUPAC Name | Ethanoic Anhydride |
| Molecular Formula | C4H6O3 |
| CAS id | 108-24-7 |
| Synonyms | Acetic Oxide, Acetic Oxide Anhydride, Acetanhydride, Acetic acid anhydride, Acetyl acetate, Acetyl anhydride, Ethanoic anhydride |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C4H6O3/c1-2-3-4(5)6/2-1-3(5)4/h2-3H,1H3 |
Acetic Anhydride Properties
Acetic Anhydride molar mass
Acetic anhydride has a molar mass of 102.09 g/mol. It is a colorless liquid that is highly flammable and has a pungent smell. Acetanhydride is used in the synthesis of various chemicals such as aspirin, cellulose acetate, and vinyl acetate. It is also used in the production of dyes, inks, and perfumes.
Acetic Anhydride boiling point
Acetic anhydride has a boiling point of 141.2 °C. It is a polar compound, meaning it has a partial positive and negative charge, which allows it to form hydrogen bonds with other molecules. This property also contributes to its high boiling point. Acetanhydride is also highly reactive, making it important to handle it with care in laboratory settings.
Acetic Anhydride density g/ml
Acetic anhydride has a density of 1.08 g/ml. It is a liquid at room temperature and has a high viscosity, making it thicker than water. This property makes it important to consider when using acetanhydride in reactions or when handling it in the lab.
Acetic Anhydride molecular weight
Acetanhydride has a molecular weight of 102.09 g/mol. It is made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms and its chemical formula is C4H6O3. Acetanhydride is a highly reactive chemical and is used in the synthesis of various chemicals, including aspirin and cellulose acetate. It is also used in the production of dyes, inks, and perfumes.
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.08 g/cm3 |
| Color | Clear |
| Odor | Strong, pungent, acetic acid-like odor |
| Molar Mass | 102.09 g/mol |
| Density | 1.08 g/cm3 |
| Melting Point | -73.1 °C |
| Boiling Point | 138.4 °C |
| Flash Point | -20 °C |
| Water Solubility | Reacts with water to form acetic acid |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, ether, and chloroform |
| Vapour Pressure | 76 mm Hg at 20 °C |
| Vapour Density | 2.1 (air = 1) |
| PKa | 4.76 |
| PH | Neutral |
Acetic Anhydride safety and hazards
Ethanoic anhydride is a highly reactive and flammable chemical that should be handled with extreme caution. It can cause severe skin and eye irritation and can also cause respiratory issues if inhaled. Proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be worn when handling acetanhydride. It should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and incompatible materials. In case of spills or exposure, evacuation and professional help should be sought immediately.
| Hazard Symbols | Corrosive |
| Safety Description | Acetic anhydride is a strong acid and corrosive material that can cause severe burns and damage to eyes and skin. It is also flammable and reactive with water. |
| UN IDs | UN 1689 |
| HS Code | 2915 2400 |
| Hazard Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | High |
Acetic Anhydride’s Preparation methods
Acetanhydride can be prepared by reacting acetic acid with an excess of an oxygen-containing compound such as peroxide or a halogen. One common method is the oxidation of acetic acid with a palladium or platinum catalyst. This reaction can be carried out in the presence of water, which is then removed through distillation. Another method is the reaction of acetic acid with an anhydride, such as phosgene or sulfuric anhydride. The resulting product is acetanhydride, which is then purified through distillation. Both methods require strict safety precautions as Ethanoic anhydride is a highly reactive and flammable substance.
Acetic Anhydride’s uses
Ethanoic anhydride is a chemical reagent used in a variety of industrial and laboratory applications. It is primarily used as a reagent in organic synthesis, particularly in the production of acetylated compounds such as aspirin and cellulose acetate. It is also used in the production of dyes and pigments, as well as in the synthesis of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. Acetanhydride is also used in the production of plastic and other polymeric materials, as well as in the purification of certain chemical compounds. It is also used in the production of certain types of fuel and in the manufacture of certain types of rubber.