Acetic anhydride
Acetic anhydride (CAS 108-24-7; formula (CH3CO)2O; molar mass 102.09 g/mol) is a colourless, mobile liquid with a sharp, acetic odour, supplied by Tech Serve Solutions at an assay of at least 99.5% by GC. As the anhydride of acetic acid, it is a powerful and widely used acetylating agent in organic synthesis, introducing acetyl groups to make esters and amides. It is a flammable, corrosive liquid that reacts vigorously with water. Acetic anhydride is also a regulated drug precursor.
- Synonyms
- Acetic anhydrideAcetic oxideAcetyl acetateAcetic acid anhydrideEthanoic anhydrideAcetic acid, anhydrideAcetyl oxide(CH3CO)2O
Acetylation in organic synthesis
Acetic anhydride is one of the most widely used acetylating reagents, transferring an acetyl group to alcohols, phenols and amines to form acetate esters and acetamides. It is a workhorse reagent for protecting hydroxyl and amino groups and for general functional-group derivatisation.
Pharmaceutical and fine-chemical intermediates
It serves as a building block in the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates where an acetyl moiety is required. Its high reactivity and clean by-product profile (acetic acid) make it suitable for controlled synthetic steps.
Cellulose acetate and polymer chemistry
Acetic anhydride is used industrially to acetylate cellulose in the production of cellulose acetate materials. It is a long-established reagent for esterifying hydroxyl-rich substrates in polymer and materials chemistry.
Laboratory reagent and analytical use
At reagent purity it is employed in research laboratories for derivatisation, dehydration and acetylation reactions. It is a standard reagent for preparing acetate derivatives ahead of chromatographic or spectroscopic analysis.
Dyes, agrochemicals and specialty chemicals
It contributes acetyl groups in the synthesis of dyes, agrochemicals and a range of specialty organic chemicals. Use should always follow the relevant precursor-control requirements for your jurisdiction.
| Molecular weight | 102.09 |
|---|---|
| Linear formula | (CH3CO)2O |
| Assay | ≥99.5% (GC) |
| Boiling point | 138-140 °C(lit.) |
| Density | 1.08 g/mL(lit.) |
| Refractive index | n20/D 1.390(lit.) |
| Vapour pressure | 10 mmHg (36 °C)4 mmHg (20 °C) |
| Melting point | −73 °C(lit.) |
| Vapour density | 3.5 (vs air) |
| Autoignition temp | 629 °F |
| Impurities tested | ≤0.5% acetic acid |
Hazard statements
- H226Flammable liquid and vapour
- H302Harmful if swallowed
- H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
- H332Harmful if inhaled
Precautionary statements
- P280Wear protective gloves, clothing and eye/face protection
- P305IF IN EYES
- P310Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor
| Protective equipment | Faceshields, full-face respirator (US), Gloves, Goggles, multi-purpose combination respirator cartridge (US), type ABEK (EN14387) respirator filter |
|---|---|
| Flash point | 49 °C / 120.2 °F |
| Transport (UN / ADR) | UN 1715 3(8) / PGII |
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 1 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | C |
| Risk statements (R) | 10-20/22-34 |
| Safety statements (S) | 26-36/37/39-45 |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
Documentation
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.
Supply & logistics
Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.
What is acetic anhydride used for?
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Acetic anhydride is mainly used as an acetylating agent in organic synthesis, introducing acetyl groups to make acetate esters and acetamides. Established applications include pharmaceutical and fine-chemical intermediates, cellulose acetate manufacture, dyes, agrochemicals and laboratory derivatisation. It is supplied for research and industrial use subject to applicable precursor controls.
What is the CAS number and molecular formula of acetic anhydride?
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Acetic anhydride has CAS number 108-24-7 and the molecular formula (CH3CO)2O. Its molecular weight is 102.09 g/mol, and its EC number is 203-564-8.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
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Tech Serve Solutions supplies acetic anhydride at an assay of at least 99.5% (GC), with not more than 0.5% acetic acid as the principal impurity. It is offered as a high-purity technical and research/reagent grade. We do not represent it as USP, BP or EP pharmacopoeial grade unless that is explicitly agreed and documented for your order.
What are the hazards and how should acetic anhydride be handled?
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Acetic anhydride is classified Danger (GHS02, GHS05, GHS07). It is a flammable liquid and vapour (H226), is harmful if swallowed (H302) or inhaled (H332), and causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage (H314). It reacts violently with water. Handle in a fume hood away from ignition sources, wear chemical-resistant gloves, goggles or a face shield and suitable respiratory protection, and keep tightly closed and dry. The flash point is about 49 C and the German water-hazard class is WGK 1.
Is acetic anhydride a controlled or regulated substance?
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Yes. Acetic anhydride is an internationally monitored drug precursor and is regulated in many countries (for example as a US DEA List I chemical and an EU category 2 drug precursor). Supply and purchase may require licences, end-use declarations and record-keeping. Tech Serve Solutions sells it only for legitimate industrial and research use and in line with applicable precursor-control regulations.
How is acetic anhydride packed, shipped and exported?
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It is supplied in suitable sealed, moisture-tight containers appropriate to the order quantity. As a flammable corrosive liquid it is consigned as UN 1715, Class 3 (subsidiary 8), Packing Group II, and is packed, labelled and documented to the relevant ADR/IMDG/IATA dangerous-goods rules. As exporters since 1998, Tech Serve Solutions arranges compliant international shipping with full transport and precursor documentation.
How do I request a sample or quote?
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Contact Tech Serve Solutions with your required quantity, purity and destination, and we will provide a quotation along with the relevant specification and safety documentation. Sample availability for regulated precursors is subject to the necessary end-use and licensing checks.
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