Properties of Acetic Acid (C2H4O2)
Acetic acid is a colorless, pungent-smelling organic acid with the chemical formula C2H4O2. It is a key component of vinegar and is responsible for its sour taste and strong odor. Acetic acid is used in various industrial applications, such as in the production of plastics, textiles, and chemicals.
The following table provides a comprehensive list of acetic acid properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).
Click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.
| Physical Properties | Metric |
|---|---|
| Molar Mass | 60.052 g/mol |
| Density | 1050 kg/m3 |
| Dynamic Viscosity | 1.22 mPa·s |
| Surface Tension | 27.6 mN/m |
| Thermal Properties | Metric |
| Melting Point | 17 °C |
| Boiling Point | 118 °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.158 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat Capacity (Cp) | 2050 J/kg·K |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (αV) | 1.08×10-3 1/°C |
| Vapor Pressure | 1.5 kPa |
| Critical Constants | Metric |
| Critical Temperature (Tc) | 320 °C |
| Critical Pressure (Pc) | 5.786 MPa |
| Critical Molar Volume (Vc) | 171 cm3/mol |
| Electrical Properties | Metric |
| Relative Permittivity (εr) | 6.2 |
| Optical Properties | Metric |
| Refractive Index (589 nm) | 1.372 |
| Hazardous Data | Metric |
| Flash Point | 39 °C |
| Autoignition Temperature | 463 °C |
| Lower Flammability Limit | 4% |
| Upper Flammability Limit | 19.9% |
| NFPA Rating (Health) | 3 |
| NFPA Rating (Fire) | 2 |
| NFPA Rating (Reactivity) | 0 |
Unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)
Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017. 3) Yaws, Carl L. The Yaws Handbook of Physical Properties for Hydrocarbons and Chemicals. Netherlands: Elsevier Science, 2015. 4) Fire Protection Guide to Hazardous Materials, 14th Edition. United States: National Fire Protection Association, 2010.