Releasably bound carboxylic acids

摘要

This invention relates to a composition for and method of storing and using acetic acid or propionic acid, the composition comprising an alkali(ne earth) metal salt of acetic acid or propionic acid and an aliphatic carboxylic acid which has a pKa value lower than that of acetic acid or propionic acid respectively. When this composition is brought into contact with a solvent system capable of allowing ionisation of the salt and the aliphatic carboxylic acid, free acetic acid or propionic acid is released in situ. This method enables the free acids to be stored and released at the point of use thereby substantially reducing the risks of corrosion and unpleasant odors.