Acetic acid

Acetic acid	Last updated: 12/02/2025
(Also known as: acetyl hydroxide; ethylic acid; methanecarboxylic acid; glacial acetic acid; vinegar)

SUMMARY

Acetic acid is a multi-use chemical with application in agriculture as a totsl herbicide.It is not persistent in either soil or water and has a low to medium oral toxicity to most biodversity. However, it is highly corrosive and so may damage anything it comes in contact with.

Data alerts

The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement.

Environmental fate	Ecotoxicity	Human health
Environmental fate High alert: Drainflow: Very mobile	Ecotoxicity Moderate alert: Fish acute ecotoxicity: Moderate; Daphnia acute ecotoxicity: Moderate	Human health Moderate alert: Reproduction/development effects

GENERAL INFORMATION

Description

Used to control a wide variety of annual and perennial broadleaved weeds and grasses on non-cropped areas. May also be pesticide transformation product.

Example pests controlled

Foxtails; Lambsquarters; Pigweed; Velvetleaf; Canada thistle

Example applications

Non-cropped areas; Hard surfaces including walkways, pavements

Efficacy & activity

Availability status

Current

Introduction & key dates

1997, first registered USA

GB regulatory status

GB COPR regulatory status

Approved

Date COPR inclusion expires

31/08/2031

GB LERAP status

None

EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414)

EC Regulation 1107/2009 status

Approved

Dossier rapporteur/co-rapporteur

Austria/Netherlands

Date EC 1107/2009 inclusion expires

30/11/2026

EU Candidate for substitution (CfS)

Listed in EU database

Yes

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 in the following EU Member States

ATAustria	BEBelgium	BGBulgaria	CYCyprus	CZCzech Republic	DEGermany	DKDenmark	EEEstonia	ELGreece
✓	✓			✓	✓	✓
ESSpain	FIFinland	FRFrance	HRCroatia	HUHungary	IEIreland	ITItaly	LTLithuania	LULuxembourg
	✓	✓			✓			✓
LVLatvia	MTMalta	NLNetherlands	PLPoland	PTPortugal	RORomania	SESweden	SISlovenia	SKSlovakia
		✓	✓			✓

Approved for use (✓) under EC 1107/2009 by Mutual Recognition of Authorisation and/or national regulations in the following EEA countries

ISIceland	NONorway
✓	✓

Additional information

Also used in

Chemical structure

Isomerism

None

Chemical formula

CH₃COOH

Canonical SMILES

CC(=O)O

Isomeric SMILES

No data

International Chemical Identifier key (InChIKey)

QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-N

International Chemical Identifier (InChI)

InChI=1S/C2H4O2/c1-2(3)4/h1H3,(H,3,4)

2D structure diagram/image available?

Yes

Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre diagrams

Common Name	Relationship	Link
acetic acid	-

General status

Pesticide type

Herbicide; Metabolite; Other substance

Metabolite Type

Soil; Plant; Animal

Other bioactivity & uses

Biocide

Substance groups

Carboxylic acid herbicide

Minimum active substance purity

980 g/Kg

Known relevant impurities

EU dossier - None declared

Substance origin

Natural

Mode of action

Broad-spectrum, contact action, effect arises from the corrosive nature of the substance

CAS RN

64-19-7

EC number

200-580-7

CIPAC number

None allocated

US EPA chemical code

044001

PubChem CID

176

Molecular mass

60.05

PIN (Preferred Identification Name)

IUPAC name

ethanoic acid

CAS name

Acetic acid

Other status information

EC 2232/96 Annex 1 registered as food flavouring agent; Some applications may be approevd under the GB Biocides Products Regulations

Relevant Environmental Water Quality Standards

Herbicide Resistance Class (HRAC MoA class)

Not applicable

Herbicide Resistance Class (WSSA MoA class)

Not applicable

Insecticide Resistance Class (IRAC MoA class)

Not applicable

Fungicide Resistance Class (FRAC MOA class)

Not applicable

Examples of recorded resistance

Physical state

Colourless liquid or crystals

Related substances & organisms

vinegar

Formulations

Property

Value

Example manufacturers & suppliers of products using this active now or historically

Doff
Headland Amenity
Unicrop
Ecoval Corps

Example products using this active

Acetum
Natural Weed Spray #1
Ecoclear
Natures Glory Weed & Grass Killer
Biltema Ugressdreper

Formulation and application details

Usually supplied as a soluble concentrate that is mixed with water and used as a spray.

ENVIRONMENTAL FATE

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Solubility - In water at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

1050000

High

Solubility - In organic solvents at 20 °C (mg l⁻¹)

>200000

Toluene

>200000

Isopropanol

>200000

Ethyl acetate

>200000

Acetone

Melting point (°C)

16.7

Boiling point (°C)

118

Degradation point (°C)

No decomposition below boiling point

Flashpoint (°C)

(closed cup)

Octanol-water partition coefficient at pH 7, 20 °C

1.23 X 10⁰⁰

Calculated

Log P

0.09

Low

Fat solubility of residues

Solubility

Insoluble

Data type

Regulatory data

Density (g ml⁻¹)

1.0492

Dissociation constant pKa) at 25 °C

4.75

Weak acid, 25DegC

Vapour pressure at 20 °C (mPa)

1.57 X 10⁰⁶

Highly volatile. If applied directly to plants or soil, drift is a concern & mitigation is advisable

Henry's law constant at 25 °C (Pa m³ mol⁻¹)

9.3 X 10^-02

Non-volatile

Volatilisation as max % of applied dose lost

From plant surface

From soil surface

Negligible

Maximum UV-vis absorption L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹

Does not absorb light with wavelengths >290nm

Surface tension (mN m⁻¹)

27.5

Degradation

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

General biodegradability

Soil degradation (days) (aerobic)

DT₅₀ (typical)

1.2

Non-persistent

DT₅₀ (lab at 20 °C)

0.95

Non-persistent

DT₅₀ (field)

DT₉₀ (lab at 20 °C)

3.2

Non-persistent

DT₉₀ (field)

DT₅₀ modelling endpoint

Note

EU dossier states DT₅₀ range 0.7-1.23 days, DT₉₀ range 2.5-4.1 days; Other literature study reports DT₅₀ 24 mins (R3).

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on plant matrix

Value

Note

Dissipation rate RL₅₀ (days) on and in plant matrix

Value

Note

Aqueous photolysis DT₅₀ (days) at pH 7

Value

Note

Aqueous hydrolysis DT₅₀ (days) at 20 °C and pH 7

Value

Note

Water-sediment DT₅₀ (days)

Water phase only DT₅₀ (days)

1.2

Moderately fast

Sediment phase only DT₅₀ (days)

Air degradation

As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below.

Decay in stored produce DT₅₀

Soil adsorption and mobility

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Linear

K_d (mL g⁻¹)

Very mobile

K_oc (mL g⁻¹)

Notes and range

EU dossier K_oc = 0; Other literature K_oc values of 6.5 to 228 ml/g quoted

Freundlich

K_f (mL g⁻¹)

K_foc (mL g⁻¹)

¹/_n

Notes and range

pH sensitivity

Fate indices

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

GUS leaching potential index

-0.13

Calculated

Low leachability

SCI-GROW groundwater index (μg l⁻¹) for a 1 kg ha⁻¹ or 1 l ha⁻¹ application rate

Value

2.33 X 10^-03

Calculated

Note

Potential for particle bound transport index

Low

Calculated

Potential for loss via drain flow

Very mobile

Calculated

Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀ (hrs) as indicator of long-range air transport risk

Calculated using the Atkinson method. Assumed 0.5E+06 OH/cm³, 24 hr

Below the level of concern for long-range air transport

Bio-concentration factor

BCF (l kg⁻¹)

3.2

Low potential

CT₅₀ (days)

Not available

Known metabolites

None

ECOTOXICOLOGY

Terrestrial ecotoxicology

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

3530

Rat

Low

Mammals - Short term dietary NOEL

(mg kg⁻¹)

(ppm diet)

Mammals - Chronic 21d NOAEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Birds - Acute LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Birds - Short term dietary (LC₅₀/LD₅₀)

Birds - Chronic 21d NOEL (mg kg⁻¹ bw d⁻¹)

Earthworms - Acute 14 day LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

> 1000

Eisenia foetida

Low

Earthworms - Chronic NOEC, reproduction (mg kg⁻¹)

Soil micro-organisms

Nitrogen mineralisation: No significant adverse effect
Carbon mineralisation: No significant adverse effect

Dose: 750 kg ha⁻¹ 28 Day

Collembola

Acute LC₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

Chronic NOEC (mg kg⁻¹)

Non-target plants

32.7

Sinapis alba
Vegetative vigour, ER₅₀
as L/ha

Honeybees (Apis spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Unknown mode acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Chronic

Notes

Bumblebees (Bombus spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Mason bees (Osmia spp.)

Contact acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Oral acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg bee⁻¹)

Other bee species (1)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Other bee species (2)

Acute LD₅₀ (worst case from 24, 48 and 72 hour values - μg insect⁻¹)

Mode of exposure

Beneficial insects (Ladybirds)

Beneficial insects (Lacewings)

Beneficial insects (Parasitic wasps) as Mortality LR₅₀ g ha⁻¹

270

Aphidius rhopalosiphi

Beneficial insects (Predatory mites) as Mortality LR₅₀ g ha⁻¹

200

Typhlodromus pyri

Beneficial insects (Ground beetles)

Aquatic ecotoxicology

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Temperate Freshwater Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

45.0

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Moderate

Temperate Freshwater Fish - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

Tropical Freshwater Fish - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Temperate Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

31.5

Daphnia magna

Moderate

Temperate Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Chronic 21 day NOEC (mg l⁻¹)

37.9

Daphnia magna

Low

Tropical Freshwater Aquatic invertebrates - Acute 48 hour EC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Aquatic crustaceans - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Acute 96 hour LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, static, water (mg l⁻¹)

Sediment dwelling organisms - Chronic 28 day NOEC, sediment (mg kg⁻¹)

Aquatic plants (free-floating, growth) - Acute 7 day EC₅₀, biomass (mg l⁻¹)

16.0

Lemna gibba Biomass

Low

Aquatic plants (rooted, growth) - Acute 14 day EC₅₀, biomass (mg l⁻¹)

Algae - Acute 72 hour EC₅₀, growth (mg l⁻¹)

5.8

Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata Biomass

Moderate

Algae - Chronic 96 hour NOEC, growth (mg l⁻¹)

Mesocosm study data

NOEAEC mg l⁻¹

Marine bivalves

HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION

General

Property

Value

Source; quality score; and other information

Interpretation

Threshold of Toxicological Concern (Cramer Class)

Low (class I)

Mammals - Acute oral LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹)

3530

Rat

Low

Mammals - Dermal LD₅₀ (mg kg⁻¹ body weight)

1060

Rabbit

Mammals - Inhalation LC₅₀ (mg l⁻¹)

40.0

Rat 4 hr

Other Mammal toxicity endpoints

ADI - Acceptable Daily Intake (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

None allocated

ARfD - Acute Reference Dose (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

None allocated

AAOEL - Acute Acceptable Operator Exposure Level (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

AOEL - Acceptable Operator Exposure Level - Systemic (mg kg⁻¹ bw day⁻¹)

1.0

Humans as mg m³ for inhalation

Dermal penetration studies (%)

Dangerous Substances Directive 76/464

Exposure Routes

Public

Risks acceptable for proposed uses

Occupational

Risks acceptable for proposed uses

MRLs

European

EU MRL pesticide database

Great Britain

GB MRL Register

Notes

Drinking Water Standards

Drinking Water MAC (μg l⁻¹)

Mammalian dose elimination route and rate

Health issues

Specific human health issues

Carcinogen

Genotoxic

Endocrine disruptor

; ; ; ;

No data found

Reproduction / development effects

Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor

Neurotoxicant

No data found

Respiratory tract irritant

Skin irritant

Skin sensitiser

Eye irritant

Phototoxicant

No data found

General human health issues

Ingestion may cause severe corrosion of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract

Handling issues

Property

Value and interpretation

General

Flammable
Corrosive
Hygroscopic
IMDG Transport Hazard Class 8
Will emit irritating and corrosive fumes on heating

CLP classification 2013

Handling: H226
Health: H314

WHO Classification

Not listed (Not listed)

UN Number

UN2789

Waste disposal & packaging

Packaging Group III (minor danger)

Shelf-life, storage, stability and reactivity

TRANSLATIONS

Language

Name

English

acetic acid

French

acide acetique

German

Essigsaeure

Danish

Italian

acido acetico

Spanish

Greek

Polish

Octowy kwas

Swedish

attiksyra

Hungarian

Dutch

azijnzuur

Norwegian

eddiksyre

Record last updated:	12/02/2025
Contact:	aeru@herts.ac.uk
Please cite as:	Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242