WHAT IS IT?
Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is a colourless liquid with a sharp vinegar smell. It is the second simplest carboxylic acid and one of the most important industrial organic chemicals. At high purity (>99.5%), it is called glacial acetic acid.
HOW IS IT MADE?
Primary method: Methanol carbonylation (Monsanto/Cativa process)
Methanol + Carbon Monoxide → Acetic Acid (catalysed by rhodium or iridium catalyst)
This process accounts for ~75% of global production.
KEY USES
PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid) production → then PET bottles and polyester fibre (largest use ~40%)
Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) → PVA (polyvinyl acetate) for paints, adhesives, and textile sizing
Acetic Anhydride → cellulose acetate for cigarette filters and film
Ethyl acetate → solvent for paints and coatings
Vinegar (5% solution) — food and household use
TRADE CORRIDORS
Major producers: China (dominant), USA, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Singapore
Major buyers: Southeast Asia, India, China (for VAM and PTA)
Tetra relevance: South Korea and China are major producers. Singapore has significant petrochemical capacity.
PRICING BASIS
No formal exchange. CFR Southeast Asia, FOB China main references. Prices track methanol cost (key feedstock) and VAM/PTA demand.
SPECIFICATIONS (Glacial Acetic Acid)
Purity: min 99.85%
Water: max 0.15%
Acetaldehyde: max 0.05%
Formic acid: max 0.06%
Iron: max 0.4 ppm
Freezing point: min 16.35°C (pure glacial freezes at 16.6°C)
SAFETY
Corrosive, flammable (flash point 39°C). Vapours irritating to respiratory tract. IMDG Class 3 (flammable liquid) and Class 8 (corrosive). Transported in stainless steel ISO tanks.