🧪 Ethanoic Acid
Ethanoic acid is a weak, organic acid with the chemical formula CH₃COOH. It belongs to the carboxylic acid group and is commonly known as acetic acid. This clear, colourless liquid has a strong, pungent smell and sour taste. It is responsible for the characteristic smell and acidity of vinegar.
🔬 Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula: CH₃COOH
- Molecular Weight: 60.05 g/mol
- Acidity: Weak acid (partially dissociates in water)
- pH: Typically around 2.4 in pure form
- Functional Group: –COOH (carboxylic group)
🧫 Common Uses
- As a food preservative and flavouring agent (in vinegar)
- In the production of synthetic fibres and plastics
- In cleaning agents due to its antibacterial properties
- As a reagent in chemical laboratories
🍶 Example:
Vinegar is typically a 4–8% aqueous solution of ethanoic acid. It is used in cooking and food preservation due to its sour flavour and antimicrobial activity.
⚠️ Note:
Although ethanoic acid is a weak acid, concentrated solutions can still be corrosive and should be handled with care in laboratory settings.
✅ Ethanoic acid is a versatile carboxylic acid found in everyday products like vinegar and is essential in both domestic and industrial chemical processes.