Acids & Salts Available — Bulk Only

Peracetic Acid (Peroxyacetic Acid, PAA)

CAS 79-21-0 · Formula C2H4O3 · MW 76.05 g/mol

A peroxy-based oxidizing agent applied in sanitizing, bleaching and oxidation processes across the food, paper and chemical industries. Established uses include disinfection and sanitizing in food and industrial settings, bleaching of paper and textiles, epoxidation in organic synthesis, and service as a polymerization catalyst and chemical intermediate.

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UN Number
UN 3109
Hazard Class
Class 5.2
HS Code
2915.90
At a Glance
Material Family
Acids & Salts
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
pH Adjustment · Biocidal Action
Applications & Use Cases
  • Disinfection: sanitizing agent for food and industrial settings
  • Bleaching: oxidative bleaching of paper, pulp and textiles
  • Organic synthesis: epoxidation and oxidation reagent
  • Polymerization: polymerization catalyst and chemical intermediate
Physical Properties
Melting Point
-22 to 0 °C
Boiling Point
105 °C at 760 mmHg
Density
1.226 at 15 °C
Solubility
Very soluble in ether, sulfuric acid; soluble in ethanol
Vapor Pressure
14.5
Flash Point
41 °C Peracetic Acid, 60% Acetic Acid Solution
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

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DOT / UN Transport Classification
DOT hazard class 5.2 placard
UN / DOT NumberUN 3109
Hazard Class / DivisionClass 5.2
Proper Shipping NameOrganic peroxide type F, liquid (Peroxyacetic acid, stabilized)

Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.

HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
2915 . 90
Chapter 29
Organic chemicals
Heading 29.15
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 2915.90
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
79-21-0
Molecular Formula
C2H4O3
Molecular Weight
76.05 g/mol
IUPAC Name
ethaneperoxoic acid
PubChem CID
InChI Key
KFSLWBXXFJQRDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Synonyms & Trade Names
PERACETIC ACID Peroxyacetic acid Ethaneperoxoic acid Estosteril Acetyl hydroperoxide Peroxoacetic acid Acetic peroxide Monoperacetic acid Osbon AC Proxitane 4002 Desoxon 1 Ethaneperoxic acid Hydroperoxide, acetyl Acide peracetique Acido peroxiacetico Acecide Proxitane Peroxy acetic acid
Full Description

Peracetic Acid (CAS 79-21-0) is an organic peroxyacid supplied as an aqueous oxidizing solution. Established uses include disinfection and sanitizing in food and industrial settings, bleaching of paper and textiles, epoxidation in organic synthesis, and service as a polymerization catalyst and chemical intermediate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is peracetic acid used for?

Peracetic acid (CAS 79-21-0) is an organic peroxyacid supplied as an aqueous oxidizing solution. Established industrial uses include disinfection and sanitizing in food and industrial settings, oxidative bleaching of paper, pulp and textiles, epoxidation and oxidation in organic synthesis, and service as a polymerization catalyst and chemical intermediate.

What is another name for peracetic acid?

Peracetic acid is also called peroxyacetic acid (and abbreviated PAA), with the molecular formula C2H4O3 under CAS 79-21-0. It is typically supplied as an equilibrium aqueous solution containing acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide.

Does peracetic acid dissolve plastic?

Peracetic acid is a strong oxidizer supplied in aqueous solution, and material compatibility depends on the specific polymer, concentration, and temperature. Consult the SDS and verify compatibility of contact materials before use; RawSource can provide the SDS to support your handling and containment review.

How is bulk peracetic acid packaged and shipped?

Peracetic acid carries HS code 2915.90 and ships under UN 3107 as an oxidizing/organic-peroxide-class material, so it is handled under the applicable DOT/transport requirements for that classification. Contact RawSource for available bulk packaging and the SDS to confirm compliant shipping for your destination.

What is the cost of bulk peracetic acid?

Pricing varies with concentration, grade, volume, and packaging. Request a bulk quote with your target concentration and quantity rather than relying on a list price, and we will return current pricing with the SDS.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.