We explain what acetate is in chemistry and what its industrial applications are. Also, what is cellulose acetate, and its uses.
What is acetate?
In chemistry, acetate is called an anion or negatively charged molecule found in 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. Every day, when talking about acetate, we refer to this last material.
Cellulose acetate (actually cellulose acetate ester) was discovered in 1865, but the ideal techniques for handling it were not perfected until the early 20th century.
Its first application was within the textile and dye industry but it soon served as a replacement for highly flammable celluloid films in the film and photography industries, and in 1918 its production intensified as a supply to the aeronautical industry of the Allied countries within the framework of the First World War. Later it would be used in countless industries, such as in the manufacture of records, glasses, fountain pens and even as craft material.
However, cellulose acetate is not the only acetate used in industry, iron acetate, mercury acetate or lead acetate are also used, each endowed with unique chemical traits and properties, and also practical applications. different.
Acetate applications
The following are some of the applications of acetates:
- Cellulose acetate is used in the film and photography industry traditional, for the manufacture of blank films and slides.
- Nitrocellulose acetate (or vinyl acetate) is used in the record industry to cover the aluminum sheets that are inside vinyl records.
- Cellulose acetate is used to produce the transparent sheets used to feed the 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 pH neutralizer in the textile and leather industry and in the chemical synthesis of other substances such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydroxide.
- Lead acetate, highly toxic, serves as raw material in obtaining dyes for hair, clothing or printer cartridges.
- Iron acetate is used to make varnishes and in the composition of certain flavorings.
- Calcium acetate is used in the treatment of certain kidney diseases since it serves to control phosphorus levels in the blood.
Continue with: Polymers
References
- “Acetate” on Wikipedia.
- “Cellulose acetate” on Wikipedia.
- “Acetate paper” at Bellas Artes Piera.
- “Information about Acetate” in the Online Spanish Etymological Dictionary.
