Acetate: We explain what acetate is in chemistry and what its industrial applications are. Also, what cellulose acetate is, and its uses.
What is acetate?
In chemistry, acetate is a negatively charged anion or molecule that is found at the base of acetic acid, that is, vinegar, and is endowed with a carboxy group (-COOH). It is a very common radical in industry, especially in the manufacture of cellulose acetate, a light and transparent fiber obtained by subjecting cellulose to acetic anhydride. On a daily basis, when we talk about acetate, we refer to this last material.
Cellulose acetate (actually cellulose acetate ester) was discovered in 1865, but the ideal techniques for its manipulation were not perfected until the beginning of the 20th century.
Its first application was in the textile and dye industries, but it soon served as a replacement for highly flammable celluloid films in the film and photography industries, and in 1918 its production was intensified as a supply for the aeronautical industry of the Allied countries during the First World War. It would later be used in countless industries, such as the manufacture of records, glasses, fountain pens and even as a craft material.
However, cellulose acetate is not the only acetate used in industry; iron acetate, mercury acetate and lead acetate are also used, each with unique chemical characteristics and properties, and also different practical applications. Do you want to get this Ancient China information?
Applications of acetate
The following are some of the applications of acetates:
- Cellulose acetate is used in the traditional film and photography industry, for the manufacture of blank films and slides.
- Nitrocellulose acetate (or vinyl acetate) is used in the record industry to coat the aluminium sheets inside vinyl records.
- Cellulose acetate is used to produce the transparent sheets that feed non-digital overhead projectors. It is also used for graphic work, crafts and cartographic or planimetric copies.
- Sodium acetate is a type of salt used as a pH neutraliser in the textile and leather industry, and in the chemical synthesis of other substances such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydroxide.
- Lead acetate, which is extremely toxic, is used as a raw material in obtaining hair dyes, clothing or for printer cartridges.
- Iron acetate is used to make varnishes and in the composition of certain flavourings.
- Calcium acetate is used in the treatment of certain kidney diseases, since it helps control phosphorus levels in the blood.
