Acetoxy cure silicone sealants release acetic acid during the curing process, while neutral silicone sealants cure without any acidic by-product. Which makes neutral cure silicone suitable for sensitive materials. Acetoxy silicone is faster curing, but not generally suitable for sensitive materials.
For many users, the most noticeable, and easily identifiable difference between neutral and acetoxy silicones is the smell. As acetoxy silicones release acetic acid during the curing process, the result is a strong vinegar odour. In contrast, neutral silicones often have a much lighter aroma or almost odourless in some instances.