anhydrous acetic_anhydrous acetic

Acetic acid is one of the simplest carboxylic acid. It has a variety of uses, ranging from food and medical to industrial. As mentioned earlier, acetic acid is primarily found in vinegar. Its also used as food additive (E number E260) for regulating acidity and as a preservative.

In histological applications, glacial acetic acid is often used in combination with other fixatives to create a more effective preservation solution. For instance, in the widely used Bouin's solution, glacial acetic acid is combined with formaldehyde and saturated aqueous picric acid. This mixture enhances tissue penetration and provides better preservation of the cytoplasm while simultaneously stabilizing nucleic acids. Such combinations can significantly improve the quality of tissue samples, making them suitable for various staining techniques including hematoxylin and eosin, which are essential in diagnosing diseases.

The Physical State of Glacial Acetic Acid Properties and Applications