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Introduction to Acetic Acid
Acetic acid is a carboxylic acid-containing chemical compound. It has the formula CH3COOH, with a methyl group linked to a carboxyl functional group. Ethanoic acid is its IUPAC name.
Acetic acid, the major component of vinegar, has been known since ancient times. Vinegar solution is composed of a mixture of acetic acid and water, with ethanoic acid varying in concentration from 5% to 20% by volume. The acetic acid in vinegar is responsible for its strong odour and sour flavour.
Acetic acid has a number of other important applications. In this section, we will also learn about the physical and chemical features of acetic acid.
Acetic acid Definition
Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, vinegar acid, ethylic acid, and methane carboxylic acid. Acetic acid is produced during fermentation and is responsible for the unique odour of vinegar. In bodily fluids and plant juices, acetic acid is a physiologically important metabolic intermediary.
Acetic acid formula
Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, has the formula CH3COOH.
Glacial acetic acid
Glacial acetic acid is a highly concentrated acetic acid solution. At temperatures below 16.6 degrees Celsius, glacial acetic acid produces ice-like crystals. As a polar, protic solvent, it has numerous applications. In analytical chemistry, glacial acetic acid is frequently used to analyse weakly alkaline compounds.
Acetic acid structure
The acetic acid formula is CH3COOH, and the corresponding acetic acid structure is shown below:
Chemical Properties of Acetic acid
Some of the most prominent chemical properties of acetic acid are as follows:
- Because of the carboxyl functional group, acetic acid loses one hydrogen molecule. This results in a significant ionization of the molecule, as demonstrated by the reaction:
CH3COOH → CH3COO- + H+ - The acidic nature of acetic acid is caused by the proton discharge indicated in the equilibrium mechanism above.
- Acetate (CH3COO-) is the conjugate base of acetic acid.
- Acetic acid does not completely dissociate, as evidenced by the pH of an ethanoic acid solution at 1.0M concentration.
- Acetic acid has a liquid dielectric constant of 6.2 and is a polar, protic solvent.
Acetic acid uses
The most important acetic acid uses are as follows:
- Acetic acid is utilized in the production of a wide range of paints, polymers, rayons, silk, and fragrances.
- Table vinegar is its most common application. Vinegar’s main component is acetic acid. As a result, the chemical formula for vinegar is the same as that of acetic acid, i.e., CH3COOH.
- In medicine, it is used as a topical irritant.
- It is also used as a coagulant in the rubber industry.
- It contributes to the production of acetate, acetone, and esters, which are useful in a variety of industries.
- It is extensively used in the production of VAM (vinyl acetate monomer).
- During cancer treatment, it is injected intravenously into the tumour.
- Acetic acid has good solvent properties and can form miscible mixtures with both polar and nonpolar molecules.
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Acetic acid molar mass
Acetic acid molar mass is 60.05 g/mol. It is possible to calculate Acetic acid molecular weight as follows:
= (2 × 12.011) + (4 × 1.00794) + (2×15.999) g/mol
= 60.05 g/mol
CH3COOH chemical name
Acetic acid, commonly known as ethanoic acid, is a colourless, acidic liquid having the chemical formula CH3COOH (sometimes written as CH3CO2H, C2H4O2, or HC2H3O2).
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) on Acetic Soda
What is acetic acid used for?
Acetic acid is utilised in various industrial processes to make substrates, and it is frequently employed as a chemical reagent to make a variety of chemical compounds such as acetic anhydride, vinyl acetate monomer, vinegar, the ester, and many other polymer materials.
Is acetic acid a vinegar?
Acetic acid is the primary constituent of vinegar, which ranges from 4 to 18% acetic acid. It is employed as a food preservative and additive.
Why is CH3COOH called acetic acid?
Acetic acid, having the formula CH3COOH, is a chemical substance. It is a carboxylic acid composed of a methyl group linked to a carboxyl functional group.
Which food contains acetic acid?
Acetic acid can be found naturally in apples, grapes, pineapples, strawberries, and oranges. Aside from that, vinegar contains acetic acid. Acetic acid is found naturally in vinegar and many rotting fruits and vegetables. As a result, vinegar is the primary natural source of acetic acid.
