Key Properties and Composition of Peracetic Acid
Peracetic acid (PAA) is an equilibrium mixture of acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, widely used as a strong oxidizing agent in industrial and environmental applications. Its high reactivity and effectiveness over a broad temperature and pH range make it suitable for processes requiring reliable antimicrobial performance.
This page provides an overview of the fundamental characteristics of peracetic acid, including its chemical composition, equilibrium behavior, and key factors influencing stability and performance. The information is intended to support a general technical understanding and to serve as a basis for further evaluation in specific applications.
What Is Peracetic Acid?
Our peracetic acid products are equilibrium mixtures of peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, and water that are available in various grades.
Concentrations up to 15 percent are used as cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing agents in various applications and industries - from aseptic packaging in the food and beverage industry to agricultural uses or the treatment of wastewater. Grades in higher concentrations up to 40 percent are used exclusively for oxidation reactions in chemical synthesis processes.
| Technical Data | Description |
|---|---|
| CAS name | Peracetic acid |
| CAS number | 79-21-0 |
| Markets | Agriculture | Chemical Industry | Home Care & Cleaning | Energy and Mining | Energy, Environment & Utilities | Food & Beverage | Pharma | Pulp, Paper & Packaging |
| Effects | Bleaching agent Disinfectant Oxidizing agent |
| EINECS | 201-186-8 |
| REACH | Pre-registered |
| TSCA | 8 (b) |
| Status | Biocidal product acoording 98/8/EC |
| Code | Peracetic acid |
| Synonyms | Acetyl Hydroperoxide Ethaneperoxoic acid Peroxyacetic acid PAA Peraceticacid Peracid |
| Molecular weight | 76.05 g/mol |
| Purity | 0.4-40% |
| Delivery form | Can, drum, tote, bulk |
| Composition | Peracetic acid is an equilibrium mixture of peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid and water. Various grades are available. |
| Sustainability | Peracetic acid is a sustainable chemical, as its decomposition produces only water, oxygen, and very biodegradable acetic acid. |
Video
This website embeds YouTube videos. To load the YouTube player and view the video at this point, please first agree to the transfer of your personal data to Google. For more information, please see Evonik Privacy Policy