Ethanoic Acid – Structure, Uses, Physical and Chemical Properties

Ethanoic Acid

Ethanoic acid, also known as acetic acid, is a colorless liquid organic compound with the chemical formula CH3COOH. It is a corrosive, pungent acid that is the main component of vinegar. Ethanoic acid is produced industrially from ethanol and carbon monoxide. It is a weak acid and has a pKa of 4.76. It is miscible with water and most organic solvents. It is produced industrially by the carbonylation of methanol.

Ethanoic acid has a wide range of applications, including as a solvent, in the production of plastics and polymers, and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. It is also used as a food additive to add flavor and stability to vinegar and other foods.

Ethanoic acid is toxic and corrosive and can cause skin and eye irritation. It is also a respiratory irritant. Inhalation of high levels of ethanoic acid can cause severe respiratory damage and even death.

Ethanoic acid is used in the production of vinegar, as a solvent, and in the production of plastics and other synthetic materials. It is also used as a flavoring agent and preservative.

Ethanoic Acid Structure

• It is a very important organic compound that is found in many everyday products. Its chemical formula is C2H4O2 and it has a molar mass of 60.05 grams/mol. It is a colourless liquid that is soluble in water and has a slightly sour taste.
• It is a carboxylic acid and it is the simplest of all the carboxylic acids. It is made up of a carbon atom, an oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. The carbon atom is bonded to the oxygen atom by a double bond and to the hydrogen atoms by single bonds.
• The carbon atom in ethanoic acid is sp3 hybridised and has four bonds. The oxygen atom is also sp3 hybridised and has two bonds. The hydrogen atoms are sp2 hybridised and have one bond.
• It is a weak acid and it dissociates in water to form hydrogen ions and ethanoate ions. The hydrogen ions are responsible for the sour taste of the acid.

Ethanoic Acid Uses

• Ethanoic acid is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor.
• It is the simplest carboxylic acid, consisting of a carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom and a oxygen atom.
• It is soluble in water and is used in the production of esters, such as ethyl acetate, and in the production of plastics.

Physical Properties

It is a weak acid with a molecular formula of CH3COOH. It is also known as acetic acid. Ethanoic acid is a colorless liquid that has a sour taste and a pungent smell. It is soluble in water and is miscible with most solvents. Ethanoic acid is a polar molecule and has a dipole moment of 1.76 D. It is a weak acid and has a pKa of 4.76. It is mainly used in the production of vinegar.

Chemical Properties

Ethanoic acid is a colorless, corrosive, and pungent liquid with a vinegar-like odor. It is the simplest carboxylic acid, consisting of a methyl group bonded to a carbonyl group.It is miscible with water and ethanol, and is only slightly soluble in ether. It is a weak acid that dissociates in water to yield hydrogen ions and ethanoate ions. The ethanoate ions are resonance stabilized, making it acid a stronger acid than other carboxylic acids of similar size.

It is a versatile chemical that can be used in a variety of industries. It is used to make plastics, resins, and other synthetic materials. It is also used in the production of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other chemicals.

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Ethanoic Acid – Structure, Uses, Physical and Chemical Properties