Article
Acetic anhydride, or ethanoic anhydride, is the chemical compound with the formula (CH3CO)2O. Commonly abbreviated Ac2O, it is one the simplest anhydrides of a carboxylic acid and is widely used in the production of cellulose acetate and heroin, as well as a reagent in organic synthesis. It is a colorless liquid that smells strongly of acetic acid, which is formed by its reaction with moisture in the air.
Structure and properties