Acetic acid is one of the simplest carboxylic acids (the second, after formic acid). It is a very widespread compound in nature.

The higher organisms employ it extensively as an intermediate of synthesis, and it is also the final product of the acetic fermentation in which ethanol is oxidized by acetobacter in the presence of air.

GENERAL USES OF ACETIC ACID

It is an important chemical reagent and industrial product that is used in the production of polyethylene terephthalate, used mainly for plastic bottles for soft drinks; Cellulose acetate, mainly for photographic films; Polyvinyl acetate for wood glues and in many synthetic fibres.

USE AS AN HERBICIDE

Popular consensus is growing in its use as an alternative herbicide to gliphoate, although it does not have any registration in Italy as a plant protection product.

It is an acid and also very aggressive if dosed in a generous way. So it attacks tissues, vegetables and animals, and it does them so much, so bad. In fact the treated herbs die all indistinctly, it is only a matter of dose. Applications that must then be repeated several times in a row, as acetic acid does not devitalize the roots and therefore weeds can start again in every rain emitting new vegetable tissues.

NATURAL HERBICIDE PREPARATION

For 5 litres of herbicide at 5%, take 312.5 ml of acetic acid at 80% add about 3 lt of water, dissolve 1 kg of sodium chloride (kitchen salt) and bring to volume up to 5 liters. Before using the product check the complete dissolution of the salt and sprinkle on the parts of interest.