Acetanilide is widely used in the chemical industry as a precursor for the synthesis of compounds such as aniline derivatives sulfa drugs and other pharmaceuticals. It is also used in the manufacture of dyes and as an additive in hydrogen peroxide to stabilize it against decomposition. In laboratory settings acetanilide is commonly used for teaching purposes especially in recrystallization experiments due to its well-defined melting point and purification behavior.

The main purpose of acetanilide is to serve as an intermediate in chemical synthesis. It is particularly important in the production of dyes pharmaceuticals and rubber-processing chemicals.

Acetanilide consists of a benzene ring attached to an amide functional group . It appears as a White to Almost white powder to crystal with a faint odor. It is slightly soluble in water but more soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. The compound is relatively stable and exhibits typical properties of aromatic amides including moderate reactivity.