What Is Peracetic Acid?
Peracetic acid, a colorless liquid with a pungent odor, is produced by reacting acetic anhydride with hydrogen peroxide and sulfuric acid, or by oxidizing acetaldehyde with oxygen. It is stable in dilute solutions but explosive at temperatures above 110°C and corrosive to skin.
Uses of Peracetic Acid
Effective against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, peracetic acid is used as a disinfectant in the medical field for sterilizing endoscopes and dialysis equipment, and in the food industry for sterilizing packaging and controlling microbial growth on produce and meats. It also serves as an epoxidation agent and bleaching agent.
Properties of Peracetic Acid
Soluble in ethanol and ether, peracetic acid decomposes into acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide when mixed with water. It has a melting point of 0.1°C and a boiling point of 105°C.
Other Information on Peracetic Acid
1. Related Compounds of Peracetic Acid
Part of the percarboxylic acid family, peracetic acid is named for its peroxy bond. Similar compounds include perbenzoic acid, a percarboxylic acid derived from benzoic acid.
2. Reactivity of Peracetic Acid
Used in organic synthesis as an oxidant, peracetic acid’s high purity form is explosive, making the less hazardous mCPBA a safer alternative.
3. Reaction of Percarboxylic Acid
Peracetic acid releases a single oxygen atom in reactions, such as epoxidation of olefins, Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of ketones to esters, and oxidation of amines to amine oxides.