Acetic acid is one of the world's most important intermediate chemicals, and is used in the manufacture of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), purified terephthalic acid (PTA), acetic anhydride, monochloroacetic acid (MCA), and acetate esters.  It is a clear, colorless liquid with a strong, acrid vinegar odor.  Acetic acid is used to produce a broad range of acetate esters; the most important of which are ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate and isopropyl acetate.