Acetic Anhydride: Frequently Asked Questions

Acetic Anhydride
Storage
Frequently Asked Questions

How soluble is acetic anhydride in water?

Is acetic anhydride readily biodegradable?

How does the vapour pressure of acetic anhydride vary with temperature?

Page 1 of 3
Q. How soluble is acetic anhydride in water?

A. The solubility of acetic anhydride in water at 20°C is 2.6 % wt. The acetic anhydride will
then slowly decompose to acetic acid.

Q. Is acetic anhydride readily biodegradable?

A. Acetic anhydride will hydrolyse to acetic acid if discharged into the aquatic environment. It
would then be readily biodegraded as shown by the following ecological data for acetic acid

BOD5 76% of ThOD (Fresh water)

66% of ThOD (Salt water)

COD 1.07 g/g

ThOD 1.07 g/g

Q. How does the vapour pressure of acetic anhydride vary with temperature?

A.

Acetic Anhydride
Vapour Pressure v's Temperature

1600
Vapour Pressure (mbar)

1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
50 70 90 110 130 150

Temperature (°C)

Technical Service and Development

Issued: January 2003

Reviewed: October 2006

Page 2 of 3
Exclusion of liability
Information contained in this publication is accurate to the best of the knowledge BP p.l.c. and its subsidiary companies (“BP”).
Any information or advice obtained from BP otherwise than by means of this publication and whether relating to BP materials or other materials, is also
given in good faith. However, it remains at all times the responsibility of the customer to ensure that BP materials are suitable for the particular purpose
intended.
Insofar as materials not manufactured or supplied by BP are used in conjunction with or instead of BP materials, the customer should ensure he has
received from the manufacturer or supplier all technical data and other information relating to such materials.
BP accepts no liability whatsoever (except as otherwise provided by law) arising out of the use of information supplied, the application, adaptation or
processing of the products described herein, the use of other materials in lieu of BP materials or the use of BP materials in conjunction with such other
materials.

Published by BP p.l.c.
© BP p.l.c.
July2001
bp and the Helios mark are registered trademarks of BP p.l.c.

Page 3 of 3