East Harbour Group is a trusted global glacial acetic acid distributor and supplier, delivering the high-purity, water-free form of acetic acid to chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical, textile and laboratory customers worldwide. Our Glacial Acetic Acid is supplied to a 99.8%+ purity specification, backed by full technical documentation, regulatory compliance and expert handling of a Class 8 corrosive, flammable liquid. Glacial acetic acid is the concentrated, anhydrous (max. 0.15% water) form of acetic acid, sharing the same chemical formula, CH₃COOH, as standard-strength acetic acid. It is called "glacial" because it forms solid, ice-like crystals just below room temperature, at approximately 16.6°C. Unlike naturally occurring dilute acetic acid, glacial acetic acid does not occur naturally and is used across a wide range of applications, from synthetic fibre production to laboratory reagent use.
| CAS Number: | 64-19-7 |
| UN Number: | 2789 |
| Hazard Class: | 8 |
| Packing Group: | II |
What is the CAS Number of Glacial Acetic Acid?
Chemicals with the same molecular formula share the same CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number. Glacial Acetic Acid therefore shares its CAS number, 64-19-7, and EINECS number, 200-580-7, with standard-strength acetic acid. This identifier is used to recognise the compound across chemical databases and regulatory systems worldwide. It is a clear, colourless liquid with a strong, pungent, vinegar-like odour.
What is the UN Number of Glacial Acetic Acid?
The UN number for Glacial Acetic Acid is UN2789, with the proper shipping name "Acetic Acid, Glacial" applied across ADR/RID (road), IMDG (sea) and IATA (air). This is distinct from UN2790 ("Acetic Acid Solution"), which applies to lower-concentration acetic acid solutions. Always confirm the correct UN number on shipping documentation against the current Safety Data Sheet.
What is the Hazard Class and packing group of Glacial Acetic Acid?
Glacial Acetic Acid is classified as a corrosive substance, Hazard Class 8, with a subsidiary flammable liquid risk, Class 3 (transport classification 8(3)). At 100% concentration it carries Skin Corrosion Sub-category 1A and Serious Eye Damage Category 1 classifications (H314, H318), and is also a flammable liquid (H226, flash point 39°C closed cup). It is assigned Packing Group II, signifying a medium level of transport danger. Glacial Acetic Acid must be kept away from heat, open flames and ignition sources, and handled only by trained personnel with appropriate protective equipment.
Why Partner with East Harbour Group as Your Glacial Acetic Acid Distributor?
Sourcing a high-purity, flammable corrosive like glacial acetic acid demands a distributor with technical expertise, rigorous safety standards and a dependable global network. At East Harbour Group, we offer more than product supply – we provide reliability, technical knowledge and responsive service at every stage of procurement.
- High-purity, low-moisture specification: our Glacial Acetic Acid is supplied to a 99.8%+ purity specification (max. 0.15% water content), confirmed by its ability to form crystals at 16.6°C – the defining characteristic of a genuinely anhydrous grade.
- Established global distributor network: as an international glacial acetic acid supplier and distributor, we support customers across the UK, Europe, Asia and other international markets, coordinating efficient, compliant delivery by road, sea or air.
- Supply chain security: our established supplier network and proactive sourcing strategy help mitigate disruption and maintain continuous availability of glacial acetic acid for our customers.
- Specialist handling of a Class 8(3) substance: we handle glacial acetic acid as both a corrosive and a flammable liquid, in full accordance with international regulations, ensuring every shipment is correctly packaged, labelled and transported under UN2789.
- Compliance without compromise: our supply chain and warehousing operations are accredited by UKWA, BIFA and FTA, ensuring traceability, safety and professional standards throughout distribution.
Glacial Acetic Acid vs. Acetic Acid 80% Technical Grade
Commercial acetic acid is supplied across a range of concentrations. Glacial Acetic Acid, at 99.8%+ purity, is the most concentrated commercial form, offering the lowest water content and highest reactivity – used where anhydrous conditions are essential, such as vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) production, cellulose acetate manufacture and pharmaceutical synthesis. For applications where a lower-concentration, less flammable commercial-grade solution is more appropriate, East Harbour Group also supplies Acetic Acid 80% Technical Grade.
Applications of Glacial Acetic Acid
Glacial Acetic Acid is valued for its high purity and anhydrous nature, which are essential in moisture-sensitive processes and formulations.
Chemical Synthesis and Intermediates
Used as a feedstock in the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), acetic anhydride, and ester-based solvents.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Functions as a reagent and solvent in the synthesis of active ingredients and specialty formulations requiring stringent purity standards.
Textile and Fibre Processing
Enables dyeing, printing, and synthetic fibre production such as cellulose acetate and rayon, where water-free conditions are necessary.
Laboratory and Analytical Use
Commonly used as a solvent and reagent in controlled laboratory settings due to its predictable behaviour in anhydrous conditions.
Specialised Industrial Use
Supports production in sectors such as rubber processing, ink and dye manufacturing, and agricultural formulations (herbicides, pesticides).
Supply and Packaging
East Harbour Group offers fully compliant supply chain solutions for the global transport of Glacial Acetic Acid, as both a distributor and supplier of Class 8(3) corrosive, flammable liquids. Our in-house team manages road, sea and air freight options to suit client needs, delivery schedules and regulatory requirements.
Available Packaging Options
- Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs): 1000 litres
- Bulk ISO Tanks: for large-scale industrial operations
- Drums: for smaller orders and specialised handling
All packaging complies with UN-approved standards for corrosive, flammable liquids under UN2789. We manage regulatory labelling, documentation and safe handling protocols – including flammable-liquid precautions such as keeping product away from ignition sources – at each point in the supply chain.
Physical properties of Acetic Acid, Glacial
Physical State:
No information available
Appearance:
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Odor:
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Odor Threshold:
No information available
pH:
No information available
Melting Point / Range:
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Boiling Point / Range:
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Molecular Formula:
No information available
Molecular Weight:
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FAQs
The difference is concentration and water content. Glacial Acetic Acid is supplied at 99.8%+ purity (essentially anhydrous, max. 0.15% water), while Acetic Acid 80% Technical Grade is supplied at 78–80% acetic acid in water. Glacial is the more reactive, more concentrated form, used where anhydrous conditions are required, and is also flammable (flash point 39°C) in a way the 80% grade is not (flash point >61°C). East Harbour Group supplies both grades – see our Acetic Acid 80% Technical Grade page for the lower-concentration option.
Yes. Glacial Acetic Acid is classified as a Category 3 flammable liquid (H226), with a flash point of 39°C (closed cup) and an auto-ignition temperature of 463°C. It should be kept away from heat, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources, stored in a dry, well-ventilated area, and handled in accordance with the guidance in our Safety Data Sheet.
East Harbour Group is an established glacial acetic acid distributor and supplier based in the UK, delivering high-purity Glacial Acetic Acid worldwide via multi-modal logistics – road, sea and air. Our distribution network supports industrial, pharmaceutical and laboratory customers across the UK, Europe, Asia and beyond, with full UN2789 Class 8(3) transport compliance and UKWA, BIFA and FTA accreditation throughout the supply chain.
Yes. East Harbour Group supplies Glacial Acetic Acid in a range of bulk packaging options, including 1000-litre IBCs, ISO tanks for containerised international transport, and drums for smaller or specialised orders. As a glacial acetic acid distributor, we coordinate compliant bulk delivery worldwide under UN2789 Class 8(3) regulations. Contact our sales team for a tailored quote based on your required volume and destination.
Glacial Acetic Acid has a melting/freezing point of 16.64°C – close to typical ambient storage temperatures – so it can partially or fully solidify into ice-like crystals if stored or transported below this temperature. This is a normal characteristic of the anhydrous grade rather than a quality defect; the product returns to a clear liquid once warmed. We advise appropriate temperature-controlled storage and handling, particularly for winter shipments.
Glacial Acetic Acid is used wherever anhydrous, high-purity acetic acid is required. Principal applications include vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) and acetic anhydride production, pharmaceutical synthesis, cellulose acetate and rayon fibre manufacture, laboratory reagent use, rubber processing, and ink, dye and agricultural formulation.
For competitive pricing on Glacial Acetic Acid, including bulk and IBC quantities, contact our expert sales team. You can request a quote from East Harbour Group by submitting an online enquiry, calling directly, or emailing your requirements, and we will provide transparent, tailored pricing and full technical documentation.
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