acetic acid + hydrogen peroxide -> peracetic acid

Peracetic acid can also be produced by oxidation of acethaldehyde. Peracetic acid is usually produced in concentrations of 5-15%. When peracetic acid dissolves in water, it disintegrates to hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid, which will fall apart to water, oxygen and carbon dioxide. Peracetic acid degradation products are non-toxic and can easily dissolve in water. Peracetic acid is a very powerful oxidant; the oxidation potential outranges that of chlorine and chlorine dioxide.

Application: Peracetic acid is used mainly in the food industry, where it is applied as a cleanser and as a disinfectant. Since the early 1950's, acetic acid was applied for bacteria and fungi removal from fruits and vegetables. It was also used for the disinfection of recicled rinsing water for foodstuffs. Nowadays peracetic acid is applied for the disinfection of medical supplies and to prevent bio film formation in pulp industries. It can be applied during water purification as a disinfectant and for plumming disinfection. Peracetic acid is suitable for cooling tower water disinfection; it affectively prevents bio film formation and controls Legionella bacteria