Definition: Acetification refers to the process by which a material, usually from oil or natural gas production, is converted into an aromatic compound. The conversion process involves the addition of water, steam, and heat to the crude oil or gas in order to form a mixture of carbon monoxide (C0) and ethane (C2H6). This chemical reaction produces a product that is more polar than the original material, called acetic acid, with a lower boiling point. Acetic acid can be used for a variety of applications including cleaning, flavoring, and as a solvent in many industries. The process has been used to improve oil refining by allowing production of high-quality, clean fuels such as methanol and ethanol from natural gas. It is also used in the manufacture of synthetic fibers and plastics.