Provenance

Reference data from EU CLP Annex VI and published regulations — verify against your supplier's SDS before use.

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Safety data sheet reference · CAS 64-19-7

Acetic acid SDS

also: acetic acid MSDS · safety data sheet · CH3COOH · CAS 64-19-7 · EC 200-580-7 · glacial acetic acid · ethanoic acid

Danger · Flam. Liq. 3 Skin Corr. 1
Flame GHS02 Corrosion GHS05

Official PDF from supplier

This page is a reference, not the legal document.

CAS number

64-19-7

EC number

200-580-7

CLP Annex VI index

607-002-00-6

Molecular formula

C2H4O2

Structural formula

CH3COOH

Molar mass

60.05 g/mol

§ 02 · Hazards identification

Acetic acid harmonised EU classification

CLP Annex VI · Index 607-002-00-6. A supplier SDS may add self-classified hazards — this is the legal minimum.

Concentration / form dependent — CLP Note B

Acetic acid is placed on the market in different concentrations or forms whose classification can differ. This page shows the harmonised Annex VI entry for the substance as such — always match the supplier's SDS to the concentration and form you actually use.

H226 Flammable liquid and vapour. Flammable liquid — Category 3 (Flam. Liq. 3)
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Skin corrosion — Category 1 (Skin Corr. 1)

Precautionary statements

P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P241 Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating and lighting equipment.
P242 Use only non-sparking tools.
P260 Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
P301 IF SWALLOWED:
P310 Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor.
P331 Do NOT induce vomiting.
P403 Store in a well-ventilated place.

Codes ending in a colon introduce the action that follows — on a label they are printed as combined statements, such as P305+P351+P338.

§ 03 · Composition and identifiers

Acetic acid molecular structure

Acetic acid is a molecular compound. The skeletal formula below is drawn from its PubChem SMILES string, and every value in this section is computed from that structure.

Skeletal formula of acetic acid (CH3COOH)

2D skeletal formula · CH3COOH

SMILES CC(=O)O
InChI InChI=1S/C2H4O2/c1-2(3)4/h1H3,(H,3,4)
InChIKey QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N
PubChem CID 176 →

Functional group

carboxylic acid

Hybridisation

C sp³, sp² · O sp² ×2

Molecular geometry

trigonal planar · 120° ideal

Electron count

24 valence e⁻ · 4 lone pairs

Identifiers from PubChem (NIH, public domain). Structure diagram drawn with RDKit from the SMILES string. Geometry and hybridisation are computed from the connection table, not measured.

§ 04 · First-aid measures

Acetic acid first aid measures

Call your national emergency number first. These are published first-aid measures, not medical advice, and they do not replace emergency services, a poison control centre or the supplier's safety data sheet.

§4–§6 below reproduce the CAMEO Chemicals entry ACETIC ACID, GLACIAL. CAMEO publishes response data per product entry, so the entry can describe a solution, a refrigerated liquid or a molten form rather than the pure substance in §9 — check it matches what you are handling.

EYES

First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN

IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

INHALATION

IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Corrosive chemicals will destroy the membranes of the mouth, throat, and esophagus and, in addition, have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Transport the victim IMMEDIATELY to a hospital.

Source: NTP, 1992 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain.

§ 05 · Fire-fighting measures

Acetic acid fire fighting measures

ERG 2024 · GUIDE 132 Flammable Liquids - Corrosive

ERG guidance is written per response guide, not per substance — Guide 132 covers every material assigned to it, so a few sentences reference other UN numbers in the same group.

Fire and explosion hazard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating vapor generated when heated.

Extinguishing media and tactics

Some of these materials may react violently with water.

SMALL FIREDry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIREWater spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal. Do not get water inside containers.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKSFight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

Source: ERG, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Entry: ACETIC ACID, GLACIAL.

§ 06 · Accidental release measures

Acetic acid spill and leak response

Containment and clean-up

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material. For hydrazine, absorb with DRY sand or inert absorbent (vermiculite or absorbent pads). Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

LARGE SPILLDike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

Initial isolation and evacuation

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASUREIsolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

SPILLIncrease the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIREIf tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

Source: ERG, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Entry: ACETIC ACID, GLACIAL.

§ 07 · Handling and storage

Acetic acid computed storage compatibility

§ 08 · Exposure controls

Acetic acid exposure limits (IDLH)

IDLH

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health

50 ppm

NIOSH Pocket Guide — Acetic acid →

IDLH from the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (CDC, U.S. public domain), via CAMEO Chemicals. Occupational exposure limits — OSHA PEL, NIOSH REL and EU IOELV — are not published on this page yet.

§ 09 · Physical and chemical properties

Acetic acid physical properties

Fire-relevant values first — flash point and explosion limits decide the storage and ventilation regime.

Flash point

40 °C

Explosion limits

5.4 – 16 %

LEL / UEL in air, vol.

Autoignition

516.1 °C

Melting point 16.6 °C
Boiling point 117.8 °C
Relative density (water = 1) 1.051

Source: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain); per-value source references stored in the database.

§ 10 · Stability and reactivity

Reactive group (CAMEO/NOAA): Acids, Carboxylic. Our database documents 22 incompatible and 19 caution reaction-partner groups for acetic acid — including which combinations release gas on contact. See the per-partner breakdown with gas release →

22

Incompatible

19

Caution

§ 13 · Disposal considerations

Dispose of waste and residues in accordance with local and national regulations — in the EU under the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. Never discharge to drains or municipal waste; hand contaminated packaging and unused product to an authorised waste-disposal company. The supplier's SDS section 13 lists the applicable waste codes for the specific product.

§ 14 · Transport information

Acetic acid road transport — ADR 2025

UN number

UN 2789

Proper shipping name

ACETIC ACID, GLACIAL or ACETIC ACID SOLUTION, more than 80 % acid, by mass

Class · PG

8 · II

Classification code

CF1

Transport category

2

ADR labels

8, 3

Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate

83
2789

Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.

UN number

UN 2790

Class · PG

8 · II / III

Classification code

C3

ADR labels

8

2 ADR entries under UN 2790

PG II ACETIC ACID SOLUTION, not less than 50 % but not more than 80 % acid, by mass

PG III ACETIC ACID SOLUTION, more than 10 % and less than 50 % acid, by mass

Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate

80
2790

Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.

Source: UN ADR 2025 (ECE/TRANS/352), Table A. Road (ADR) only — for sea (IMDG) and air (IATA), consult the supplier's SDS §14.

MSDS vs SDS

Acetic acid MSDS vs SDS: is there a difference?

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the format is set by REACH Annex II. So a "acetic acid MSDS" and a "acetic acid SDS" refer to the same document — today it is issued as an SDS. Full breakdown of the differences →

Other flammable liquids in our database

Substance profile

What acetic acid is

Physical and chemical properties with the conditions each value was measured under, synonyms, formula and the harmonised CLP classification →

Compliance hub

From classification to SDS

The classification above corresponds to Section 2 of a Safety Data Sheet. Learn how a compliant 16-section SDS is structured and authored →

GHS label maker

Build the label for acetic acid

Pictograms, signal word and H-statements combined into a compliant label layout →

§ 16 · Sources

Reference aid only. This page summarises the harmonised EU classification and computed storage guidance — it is not a Safety Data Sheet and does not replace one. Always verify hazards, handling and storage against the supplier's SDS (sections 7 and 10) and local regulations before use. Page updated 2026-08-11.

Frequently asked questions about acetic acid

Is an MSDS the same as an SDS?

In practice, yes. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the SDS format is set by REACH Annex II. A document you find labelled "acetic acid MSDS" is today issued as an SDS.

What GHS pictograms does acetic acid require?

Under the harmonised EU classification (CLP Annex VI), acetic acid carries GHS02 and GHS05 with the signal word "Danger". Hazard statements: H226, H314. A supplier's SDS may add self-classified hazards on top of this harmonised minimum.

What should acetic acid never be stored with?

Based on its storage classes (Flammable liquids, Organic acids), acetic acid must not share storage with: Bases; Cyanides & sulfides; Organic peroxides & self-reactives; Oxidizing acids; Oxidizers; Water-reactives. Verify against the supplier's SDS sections 7 and 10 before finalising storage.

Where can I download an official acetic acid SDS PDF?

From your own supplier — an SDS is issued per product and supplier, so the correct PDF for an inspection is the one matching the product you actually purchased. The supplier links on this page lead to the official SDS libraries of major distributors.

Emergency mode Acetic acid

Call emergency services first

112 in the EU · 911 in the US. This screen is published response information, not medical advice, and it does not replace emergency services, a poison centre or the supplier's safety data sheet.

Text below is the CAMEO Chemicals entry ACETIC ACID, GLACIAL — confirm it matches the form in front of you.

01 · First aid

What to do for the person

EYES

First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

SKIN

IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.

INHALATION

IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.

INGESTION

DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Corrosive chemicals will destroy the membranes of the mouth, throat, and esophagus and, in addition, have a high risk of being aspirated into the victim's lungs during vomiting which increases the medical problems. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Transport the victim IMMEDIATELY to a hospital.

02 · Fire

Extinguishing and tactics

Fire and explosion hazard

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Irritating vapor generated when heated.

Extinguishing media and tactics

Some of these materials may react violently with water.

SMALL FIREDry chemical, CO2, water spray or alcohol-resistant foam.

LARGE FIREWater spray, fog or alcohol-resistant foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal. Do not get water inside containers.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKSFight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn.

03 · Spill

Containment, isolation, evacuation

Containment and clean-up

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. A vapor-suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors. Absorb with earth, sand or other non-combustible material. For hydrazine, absorb with DRY sand or inert absorbent (vermiculite or absorbent pads). Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

LARGE SPILLDike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Water spray may reduce vapor, but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

Initial isolation and evacuation

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASUREIsolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions.

SPILLIncrease the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIREIf tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

Sources: ERG 2024 (PHMSA) · NIOSH Pocket Guide (CDC) · CHRIS (USCG) · NTP · EPA — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Text reproduced verbatim.

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