Peracetic acid

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Peracetic acid
Peroxyacetic acid
Peroxyacetic acid
Names
IUPAC name
Ethaneperoxoic acid
Other names
Peroxyacetic acid
Acetic peroxide
Acetyl hydroperoxide
Proxitane
Identifiers
79-21-0 YesY
Abbreviations PAA
ChEMBL ChEMBL444965 YesY
ChemSpider 6336 YesY
Jmol 3D model Interactive image
KEGG D03467 YesY
PubChem 6585
RTECS number SD8750000
UNII I6KPI2E1HD YesY
  • InChI=1S/C2H4O3/c1-2(3)5-4/h4H,1H3 YesY
    Key: KFSLWBXXFJQRDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N YesY
  • InChI=1/C2H4O3/c1-2(3)5-4/h4H,1H3
    Key: KFSLWBXXFJQRDL-UHFFFAOYAD
  • CC(=O)OO
Properties
C2H4O3
Molar mass 76.05 g/mol
Appearance Colorless liquid
Density 1.0375 g/mL
Melting point 0 °C (32 °F; 273 K)[1]
Boiling point 25 °C (77 °F; 298 K) (1.6 kPa)[1]
Acidity (pKa) 8.2
1.3974 (589 nm, 20 °C)[1]
Viscosity 3.280 cP
Pharmacology
ATCvet code QG51AD03
Vapor pressure {{{value}}}
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
YesY verify (what is YesYN ?)
Infobox references

Peracetic acid (also known as peroxyacetic acid, or PAA), is an organic compound with the formula CH3CO3H. This organic peroxide is a colorless liquid with a characteristic acrid odor reminiscent of acetic acid. It can be highly corrosive.

Peracetic acid is a weaker acid than the parent acetic acid, with a pKa of 8.2.[1]

Production

Peracetic acid is produced industrially by the autoxidation of acetaldehyde:[1]

O2 + CH3CHO → CH3CO3H

It forms upon treatment of acetic acid with hydrogen peroxide, with the equilibrium constant dependent on the concentrations and conditions of reaction:[2]

H2O2 + CH3CO2H ⇌ CH3CO3H + H2O

As an alternative, acetyl chloride and acetic anhydride can be used to generate a solution of the acid with lower water content.

Peracetic acid is generated in situ by some laundry detergents. This route involves the reaction of tetraacetylethylenediamine (TAED) in the presence of an alkaline hydrogen peroxide solution. The peracetic acid is a more effective bleaching agent than hydrogen peroxide itself.[3][4] PAA is also formed naturally in the environment through a series of photochemical reactions involving formaldehyde and photo-oxidant radicals.[5]

Peracetic acid is always sold in solution with acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide to maintain the stability of the peracid. The concentration of the acid as the active ingredient can vary.

Uses

The United States Environmental Protection Agency first registered peracetic acid as an antimicrobial in 1985 for indoor use on hard surfaces. Use sites include agricultural premises, food establishments, medical facilities, and home bathrooms. Peracetic acid is also registered for use in dairy/cheese processing plants, on food processing equipment, and in pasteurizers in breweries, wineries, and beverage plants.[6] It is also applied for the disinfection of medical supplies, to prevent bio film formation in pulp industries, and as a water purifier and disinfectant. Peracetic acid can be used as a cooling tower water disinfect, where it prevents bio film formation and effectively controls Legionella bacteria. A trade name for peracetic acid as an antimicrobial is Nu-Cidex.[7]

Epoxidation

Although less active than more acidic peracids (e.g., MCPBA), peracetic acid in various forms is used for the epoxidation of various alkenes. Useful application are for unsaturated fats, synthetic and natural rubbers, and some natural products such as pinene. A variety of factors affect the amount of free acid or sulfuric acid (used to prepare the peracid in the first place).[8]

Niche uses

Peracetic acid will oxidize many metals, and is used for cleaning or creating a patina for artistic or protective purposes.

Safety

Peracetic acid is a strong oxidizing agent (E = 1.762 V vs Ag/AgCl)[9] and a primary irritant. Exposure to peracetic acid can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory system and higher or long-term exposure can cause permanent lung damage. In addition, there have been cases of occupational asthma caused by peracetic acid.[10] The ACGIH has published (spring 2014) a STEL TLV for peracetic acid of 0.4 ppm, calculated as a 15 minute time weighted average (TWA). Currently there is no OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for peracetic acid. In 2010, the US-EPA published Acute Exposure Guidelines (AEGL) for peracetic acid.

eight-hour TWA AEGL Definition mg/m3 ppm
1 The concentration at which the general population will experience transient and reversible problems, such as notable discomfort, irritation, or certain asymptomatic non-sensory effects. 0.52 0.17
2 The concentration that results in irreversible or other serious, long-lasting adverse health effects or an impaired ability to escape. 1.6 0.52
3 The concentration that results in life-threatening health effects or death 4.1 1.3

In comparison, the OSHA PEL for hydrogen peroxide (8 hour TWA) is 1.0 ppm.[11] Peracetic acid has found widespread use in healthcare, food processing, and water treatment because of its broad antimicrobial properties. In order for employers to meet the ACGIH STEL TLV and comply with the General Duty Clause[12] to provide a safe work environment, it is recommended that facilities using peracetic acid solution employ continuous monitors to provide an alert to employees if the concentration exceeds safe levels.

Concentrated peroxyacetic acid, an organic peroxide, explodes at 110 °C.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ RANGARAJAN, B., HAVEY, A., GRULKE, E. & CULNAN, P. D. 1995. Kinetic parameters of a two-phase model forin situ epoxidation of soybean oil. Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, 72, 1161-1169.
  3. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. ↑ United States Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Marketing Service Peracetic acid. (PDF document). URL accessed on 11 November 2006.
  5. ↑ U.S. National Library of Medicine. Hazardous Substances Data Bank. URL accessed on 11 November 2006.
  6. ↑ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Hydrogen Peroxide and Peroxyacetic Acid. URL accessed on 11 November 2006.
  7. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  9. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  10. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  11. ↑ 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1
  12. ↑ US – Occupational Safety and Health Act (1970), sec. 5
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