Pure acetic acid cannot conduct electricity, but an aqueous solution of acetic acid can conduct electricity.

Pure acetic acid cannot conduct electricity because it has no freely moving charged particles. However, when acetic acid is dissolved in water, it ionizes into hydrogen ions and acetate ions, so its aqueous solution can conduct electricity.

Acetic acid, also called acetic acid, is an organic compound with the chemical formula CH3COOH. It is an organic monobasic acid and is the main component of vinegar. Pure anhydrous acetic acid (glacial acetic acid) is a colorless hygroscopic liquid with a freezing point of 16.6°C (62°F). It turns into colorless crystals after solidification. Its aqueous solution is weakly acidic and highly corrosive, and is highly corrosive to metals. Steam can be irritating to eyes and nose.

Acetic acid is widely distributed in nature. For example, in fruits or vegetable oils, acetic acid mainly exists in the form of esters. Acetic acid exists in the form of free acid in animal tissues, excreta and blood. Many microorganisms can convert different organic matter into acetic acid through fermentation.

Industrial uses of acetic acid

1. Acetic acid is a bulk chemical product and one of the most important organic acids. Mainly used for the production of acetic anhydride, acetate, cellulose acetate, etc. Polyvinyl acetate can be made into films and adhesives, and is also the raw material for synthetic fiber vinylon. Cellulose acetate is used to make rayon and motion picture film.

2. Acetate ester formed from lower alcohol is an excellent solvent and is widely used in the paint industry. Because acetic acid dissolves most organic matter, acetic acid is also a commonly used organic solvent (for example, used in the oxidation of paraxylene to produce terephthalic acid).

3. Acetic acid can be used in some pickling and polishing solutions, as a buffer in weakly acidic solutions (such as zinc plating, chemical nickel plating), and as an additive in semi-bright nickel plating electrolytes. In zinc and cadmium passivation solutions, it can improve the binding force of the passivation film and is often used to adjust the pH of weakly acidic plating solutions.

4. Used to produce acetates, such as salts of manganese, sodium, lead, aluminum, zinc, cobalt and other metals. They are widely used as catalysts and auxiliaries in fabric dyeing and leather tanning industries; acetic acid Lead is the color of paint; lead tetraacetate is an organic synthesis reagent (for example, lead tetraacetate can be used as a strong oxidant, provide a source of acetoxy groups, and prepare organic lead compounds, etc.).

5. Acetic acid can also be used as analytical reagents, organic synthesis, synthesis of pigments and drugs.

Reference for the above content: Baidu Encyclopedia - Acetic Acid