Definitions for "Vinegar Syndrome"
When acetate film/tape degrades, the process creates acetic acid, which smells similar to household vinegar. Films experiencing degradation will give off the characteristic odor of vinegar, hence the term "vinegar syndrome".
Characteristic of the decomposition of acetate based magnetic tape where acetic acid is a substantial by-product that gives the tape a vinegar-like odor. After the onset of the vinegar syndrome, acetate tape backings degrade at an accelerated rate--the hydrolysis of the acetate is catalyzed further by the presence of acetic acid by product.
A term used to describe the autocatalytic deterioration of cellulose acetate. Acetic acid is released as a by-product of deterioration and typically smells like vinegar.