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Acetic acid

(Science: chemical) The acid most commonly associated with vinegar, it is the most commercially important organic acid and is used to manufacture a wide range of chemical products, such as plastics and acetobacter but, except for making vinegar, is usually made through synthetic processes.

derivatives of acetic acid which may be formed by substitution reactions. Mono- and di-substituted, as well as, halogenated compounds have been synthesised.

Experimentally, alpha- and n2- substituted acetic acids have been examined for their anti-inflammatory activity and effect on the central nervous system respectively. Additionally, limited exposure data has been collected on dibromo and dichloroacetic acids to determine whether they pose health effects.

Synonym: ethanoic Acid. A colorless pungent liquid widely used in manufacturing plastics and pharmaceuticals.A transparent liquid that is part of vinegar, that gives it its characteristic smell.