Other acids
Acetic Acid 99.0–99.8% — Glacial Grade for VAM, Esters & Textile Processing
FOB Black Sea / MENA · CFR/CIF worldwide on request
Indicative price
USD 328–400 / MT
Indicative range, firm quote on request
Key parameters
Full product details
Product overview
Acetic acid ranks among the most traded organic acids in global petrochemical commerce. Produced by methanol carbonylation or partial oxidation of acetaldehyde, glacial-grade CH₃COOH at 99.0–99.8% purity feeds vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) polymerization, acetate ester synthesis (ethyl, butyl and propyl acetates), purified terephthalic acid (PTA) oxidation circuits, and textile dyeing auxiliaries where low iron and chloride levels protect catalyst beds and prevent fabric staining. Our export grade carries water capped at 0.2%, iron at 1 ppm and Pt-Co colour at 10 — specifications aligned with integrated VAM and ester plants at Black Sea and MENA chemical complexes.
Clear liquid appearance confirms low aldehyde and heavy-metal impurity levels typical of continuous carbonylation units with dedicated acid loading jetties and ISO tank infrastructure. Typical buyers include VAM producers securing merchant acid when own units run turnaround, ester blenders building seasonal solvent inventory, PTA complexes on long-term acid supply contracts, and textile chemical formulators running continuous dye-bath campaigns.
Because glacial acetic acid solidifies near 16.6°C, winter logistics require heated or steam-traced tanks on transit routes through cold-climate ports. HS code 2915.21. MOQ from 100 MT on FOB, CFR or CIF terms.
Full specification
| CH₃COOH (acetic acid) | 99.0–99.8% (glacial grade) |
| Water (H₂O) | 0.2% max |
| Colour (Pt-Co scale) | 10 max |
| Iron (Fe) | 1 ppm max |
| Chlorides (Cl) | 5 ppm max |
| Sulphates (SO₄) | 10 ppm max |
| Appearance | Clear, colourless liquid |
| Density (at 20°C) | ≈ 1.05 g/cm³ |
| Freezing point | ≈ 16.6°C |
| UN number | 2789 (acetic acid, glacial) |
| HS code | 2915.21 |
Loading ports & logistics
Glacial acetic acid demands corrosion-resistant handling at every transfer point — unlined carbon steel tanks and standard bulk carriers cannot receive this cargo without risk of rapid corrosion and product contamination. We coordinate three principal delivery modes depending on parcel size and receiver infrastructure.
316L stainless steel ISO tank containers hold approximately 20–24 MT net per unit and suit multi-modal routes to VAM plants, ester units and textile chemical facilities with dedicated acid unloading bays. Steam-traced or electrically heated tank jackets are recommended for winter movements when ambient temperatures drop below the 16.6°C freezing point. Ideal for parcels of 100–500 MT assembled from multiple tank units on FOB Black Sea or MENA origins.
Dedicated acid tank trucks and coastal chemical tankers move parcels of 500–2,000 MT on short-sea routes between integrated petrochemical complexes and Mediterranean or Red Sea discharge terminals. Stainless cargo tanks with heating capability are mandatory; tanks must be passivated and dried after each discharge cycle.
Stainless-lined parcel tankers handle larger industrial contracts above 2,000 MT on long-haul routes to dedicated acid jetties in India, Turkey and North Africa. FOB loading at exporter-nominated acid berth; CFR and CIF quotes include tank freight, marine insurance and discharge-port compatibility check before firm offer. Typical lead time 10–20 days from contract execution to loading window.
Packaging & documentation
Cargo ships as liquid glacial CH₃COOH in 316L stainless ISO tank containers, dedicated acid road tankers or stainless-lined chemical tankers — drummed parcels are available on request for smaller lots below bulk MOQ. Each lot is accompanied by a mill certificate of analysis showing CH₃COOH assay, water, colour, iron and chloride results, safety data sheet (SDS) per GHS with corrosive hazard classification, commercial invoice, tank list, bill of lading and certificate of origin. Purity is confirmed by titration against sodium hydroxide standard on the COA, with density cross-check via calibrated hydrometer.
Third-party inspection (SGS, Bureau Veritas or equivalent) at loading can be arranged on buyer request. Tank cleanliness certificate and previous-cargo confirmation are mandatory before ISO reload; we issue passivation and cleaning documentation with the shipping instructions package. IMO dangerous goods declaration and emergency response guide (ERG) references are included for Class 8 corrosive carriage.
FAQ
What acetic acid purity do VAM and ester plants require?
Vinyl acetate monomer and acetate ester units typically specify glacial acetic acid at 99.5% CH₃COOH minimum with water below 0.15% and iron capped at 1 ppm. Lower purity grades introduce water that shifts equilibrium in esterification reactors and raises catalyst consumption in carbonylation loops.
How is bulk glacial acetic acid shipped internationally?
Glacial acetic acid moves in 316L stainless ISO tank containers (20–24 MT net per unit) or dedicated acid road tankers for short-sea legs. Because the freezing point is approximately 16.6°C, tanks are steam-traced or heated during winter transit. Parcels above 500 MT may load on stainless-lined chemical tankers to acid-compatible jetties.
What drives the indicative acetic acid price per tonne?
FOB quotations reflect methanol feedstock cost, plant operating rates at Black Sea and MENA carbonylation units, CH₃COOH purity requested, and ISO tank freight to your discharge port. The USD 328–400/MT band covers current grade and origin differentials; firm pricing is fixed at contract signing.
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