Acetic Acid, systematically named ethanoic acid, is a colorless liquid organic compound. When undiluted, it is sometimes called glacial acetic acid. It has a distinctive sour taste and pungent smell. It is produced as a precursor to polyvinyl aceate and cellulose acetate. Although it is classified as a weak acid, concentrated acetic acid is corrosive and can attack the skin. It is an important chemical & reagent, used primarily in the production of cellulose acetate for photographic film, polyvinyl acetate for wood glue, and synthetic fibres and fabrics.

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Acetic acid is the second simplest carboxylic acid (after formic acid) and consists of two small functional groups, an acetyl group and a hydroxyl group.