ETHANOIC ACID/ ACETIC ACID
STRUCTURE, PROPERTIES AND USES
Ethanoic acid, also known as acetic acid/ glacial acetic acid,
It is an organic compound and the second simplest form of carboxylic acid following formic acid
(HCOOH).
The IUPAC name of acetic acid is ethanoic acid
Its molecular formula - C2H4O2 or CH3COOH.
Ethanoic acid contains a methyl group bound to the carboxylic acid functional group.
Physical Properties:
a. It is a colourless liquid having a sour taste and the smell of vinegar.
b. It has a higher boiling point as compared to ethanol i.e. 118°C .
c. When ethanoic acid freezes, it forms an ice-like solid. Therefore, it is also known as glacial
acetic acid.
d. It is also highly soluble in water.
e. Since ethanoic acid is acidic in nature, it turns blue litmus red. However, it is a weaker acid as
compared to hydrochloric acid (HCI).
Chemical properties:
A. Reaction with carbonates and hydrogen carbonates:
Ethanoic acid reacts with sodium carbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate to yield salt,
water, and carbon dioxide gas.
The reactions are as follows:
This reaction is used as a test for carboxylic acids because CO 2 gas is released with a brisk
effervescence and turns lime water milky.
B. Reaction with sodium hydroxide
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ETHANOIC ACID/ ACETIC ACID
STRUCTURE, PROPERTIES AND USES
C. Reaction with Alcohols (Esterification reaction):
Ethanoic acid reacts with alcohol in the presence of a small amount of concentrated sulphuric
acid to form esters which have a fruity smell .
Because ester is formed in this reaction, the process is known as esterification.
Hydrolysis of esters: When esters are heated with NaOH the ester breaks down/hydrolyses to
give carboxylic acid and alcohol.
D. Formation of acetic anhydride on heating with phosphorus pentoxide as it loses a water
molecule
2CH₃COOH + P₂O₅ → (CH₃CO)₂O + H2O
E. It acts as a reducing agent [reduction of acid to alcohol]
CH₃COOH + 4[H] → C2 H5OH + H2O
Uses of Ethanoic Acid:
1. It is used in preparation of dyes, plastics and pharmaceuticals.
a. Acetic anhydride- in aspirin
b. Cellulose acetate- packaging materials
c. Amyl acetate – flavouring of chewing gum
2. Used for manufacture of acetone and esters used in perfume.
3. Vinegar which is diluted ethanoic acid is used in food preparation and preservation.
4. As a solvent for phosphorus, sulphur, iodine, resins, cellulose etc.
5. Vinegar is a solution of acetic acid in water and it is formed after adding 5-8% of acetic acid by
volume, in water.
Vinegar is mostly used as a preservative in pickles.
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