ACETIC ACID 249 



AciDUM AcETicuM. Acetic Acid. H C2H3O2. 

 (U. S.<feB. P.) 



Synonym. — Acetum purum, — acetum destillatum, P.G.; 

 acide acetiqiie dilue, Fr.; reiner essig, G. 



A liquid composed of 36 per cent., by weight, of absolute 

 acetic acid, and 64 per cent, of water. 



Derivation. — Distillation of dry sodium acetate with 

 sulphuric acid and crystallization of the distillate. Na Cj 

 H3O2 + H^ SO, = H C2 H3 O2 + Na H SO,. 



Properties. — A clear, colorless liquid, having a strong, 

 vinegar-like odor, a purely acid taste and a strongly acid 

 reaction. Spec. gr. about " ^ 8. Miscible with water or 

 alcohol in all proportions. 



PREPARA.T10N. 

 Acidum Aceticum Dilutum. Diluted Acetic Acid. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Acetum concentratum, — acide acetique, Fr.; ver- 

 diinnte essigsaure, G. 



Derivation. — Acetic acid, 100; distilled water, 500. Diluted acetic 

 acid contains 6 per cent., by weight, of absolute acetic acid. Spec. gr. 

 about 1 008. Not employed internally except in the form of official 

 aceta. Vinegar is impure diluted acetic acid, made by destructive 

 distillation of wood, or by acetous fermentation and oxidation of alco- 

 holic solutions, as cider. 



C2H5O H + Oa = H CaHsOa + H^O. A temperature of 80° F., and 

 the presence of the ferment or mould (mycoderma aceti), are necessary. 



AoiDUM Aceticum Glaciale. Glacial Acetic Acid. HC2H3O2. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Acidum aceticum, P. G.; acidum aceticum 

 concentratum, acetum glaciale, — acide acetique concentree, 

 esprit de vinaigre, vinaigre glacial, Fr.; essigsaure, eissesig, G. 



Derivation. — Same as acetic acid. 



Properties. — A clear, colorless liquid of a strong vinegar- 

 like odor, and a very pungent, purely acid taste. Contains 

 about 99 per cent, of absolute acid. Not used internally. 



