Comparing E260 - Acetic acid vs E262I - Sodium acetate
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Found in 3,047 products
Found in 597 products
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Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is acetic acid a strong acid?
No—acetic acid (E260) is a weak acid in water (pKa ≈ 4.76), though concentrated (glacial) acetic acid is corrosive.
Is vinegar acetic acid?
Vinegar is a solution of acetic acid in water (typically about 4–8% acetic acid by volume), not pure acetic acid.
What is acetic acid used for?
In foods, E260 is used as an acidity regulator, preservative, and flavoring (e.g., pickling, sauces); industrially it’s a precursor to vinyl acetate and cellulose acetate and is used in descaling/cleaning.
Which statement describes the acid found in vinegar acetic acid?
It is a weak organic acid (ethanoic acid, CH3COOH) that gives vinegar its sour taste and antimicrobial effect; food-grade vinegar contains at least about 4% acetic acid by volume.
Is acetic acid polar?
Yes—acetic acid is a polar, hydrogen-bonding (protic) molecule due to its carboxyl group, and it mixes well with water and many polar solvents.
How to make sodium acetate?
Industrial food-grade sodium acetate is produced by neutralizing acetic acid with a sodium base (such as sodium carbonate/bicarbonate or sodium hydroxide), then crystallizing—often as the trihydrate—and drying as needed.
Is sodium acetate dangerous?
No—at permitted food-use levels it's considered safe (e.g., GRAS in the U.S.; ADI not specified by EFSA); concentrated material can irritate eyes/skin and large intakes add sodium to the diet.
What is sodium acetate used for?
In foods it acts as a preservative and acidity regulator, helping inhibit spoilage/pathogen growth (commonly in meats, snacks, and bakery) and also functions as a sequestrant; it can contribute a mild salt-and-vinegar flavor.
Is sodium acetate soluble in water?
Yes—sodium acetate (both anhydrous and trihydrate) is highly soluble in water and is deliquescent.
What is sodium acetate trihydrate?
It’s the hydrated form of sodium acetate (NaC2H3O2·3H2O), a stable crystalline grade that dissolves readily and is widely used in the same food applications as the anhydrous form to supply acetate.