Colorless transparent liquid that solidifies into ice like crystals at low temperatures. There is a pungent odor. Can be miscible with organic solvents such as water, ethanol, ether, and carbon tetrachloride, but insoluble in carbon disulfide. Flammable, corrosive, highly irritating, can cause burns to the human body. Flammable, its vapor can form an explosive mixture with air, which can cause combustion and explosion when exposed to open flames or high heat energy. Contact with chromic acid, sodium peroxide, nitric acid or other oxidants poses a risk of explosion.

Commonly used analytical reagents. Universal solvents and non-aqueous titration solvents. Used for manufacturing acetate salts, cellulose acetate, pharmaceuticals, pigments, esters, plastics, fragrances, etc.