Acetic anhydride

Acetic anhydride is a colorless, pungent liquid with formula (CH₃CO)₂O. It transfers acetyl groups in chemical manufacturing and reacts readily with water to form acetic acid.

Acetylation: A chemical reaction that introduces an acetyl group into a molecule. Acetic anhydride is a widely used reagent for transferring acetyl groups.
Paracetamol: An analgesic and fever-reducing drug also known as acetaminophen. An industrial route acetylates p-aminophenol using acetic anhydride.
Carboxylic acid anhydride: A compound containing two acyl groups joined through an oxygen atom. Acetic anhydride is the simplest symmetrical anhydride derived from a common carboxylic acid.
Acetic anhydride regulation: Legal controls governing the sale, movement, and reporting of acetic anhydride. Its legitimate industrial use and role as a heroin precursor lead to monitoring in many jurisdictions.
Acetyl chloride: A reactive acyl chloride with formula CH₃COCl, used to introduce acetyl groups. Both transfer acetyl groups, but their by-products and handling hazards differ.
Nucleophilic acyl substitution: A reaction in which a nucleophile replaces a leaving group at an acyl carbon. Nucleophiles attack its carbonyl groups and displace acetate during acetyl transfer.
Acetylsalicylic acid: The chemical name for aspirin, formed by acetylating salicylic acid. Acetic anhydride is a standard acetyl donor in aspirin production.
Acetyl group: The acyl group CH₃CO–, derived from acetic acid. Each half of the molecule carries an acetyl group available for transfer.
Heroin: An opioid drug that can be produced by acetylating morphine. Acetic anhydride is used in illicit heroin manufacture, prompting precursor controls.
Propionic anhydride: A symmetrical carboxylic acid anhydride derived from propionic acid. It is a close structural analogue with propionyl groups instead of acetyl groups.

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