what is acetate

Acetate is a salt formed by the combination of acetic acid with a base. It is also the conjugate base or ion typically found in aqueous solution and is written with the chemical formula C2H3O−2. Acetate is a human-made, semi-synthetic material derived from cellulose, made from wood pulp combined with chemicals like acetic acid, acetic anhydride, and sulfuric acid. It is then spun into fibers, sometimes mixed with other materials, hardened into a sheet, or molded into shapes. Acetate fabric is shiny, soft, and is usually used as an alternative to silk or rayon. It has several uses, such as making wedding or graduation gowns, lining, curtains, or furnishings. Acetate frames are lightweight and often considered better and higher quality than regular plastic frames, known for their hypoallergenic qualities and popular among those with sensitive skin.