Peracetic acid

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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 Conc. 38-40%
1.226 g/cm3 (15 °C)
1.14 g/cm3 (20 °C)
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.

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.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads