General Information

Peracetic Acid Fundamentals

On this page you will find some basic information about peracetic acid. We provide you with a general description of peracetic acid (PAA), its most important technical data, as well as a list of the markets it is most commonly used in.

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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.

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General Information

Analytical Methods

If you would like to know how we produce analytical methods for the determination of products with a peracetic acid content of more than 1% and the photometric determination for low-concentration peracetic acid products, please click here!

Classification

According to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and the European Regulation No. 1272/2008, aqueous solutions of peracetic acid are hazardous substances. Click here to learn how they must be labeled and handled accordingly.

Packaging

Depending on the different physico-chemical properties there are differences in packaging of peracetic acid solutions. To get an overview, please click here!

Physico-Chemical Properties

Our product portfolio covers the entire concentration range of commercial peracetic acid products. If you would like to check out a selection of products or inquire about the availability of a specific type, please click here!

BL AO peracetic acid general information safety and handling

Safety & Handling

Safety has always been one of Evonik's top priorities. Our strong commitment to the chemical industry's Responsible Care program is reflected in our efforts to achieve the highest possible safety standards in our own plants and laboratories and those of our customers. Click here!

BL AO peracetic acid general information stability and decomposition

Stability & Decomposition

Evonik's peracetic acid products are adequately stabilized. Please click here to learn more about proper storage so that you can store peracetic acid for an extended period of time without significant loss of content.

Storage

Peracetic acid (PAA) must be stored in its original containers in an upright position on an acid-resistant surface. PAA should only be dispensed from its original packaging. Learn more about the storage conditions of peracetic acid by clicking here!

Transport

Transportation is subject to the respective hazardous material regulations (hazardous material regulations), which are based on the UN Recommendations TDG. Click here to find out about the different hazardous material classifications that apply depending on the product specification.

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