Home
Back
Acetic Acid Formula:
| From: | To: |
Acetic acid is a simple carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH₃COOH. It is the main component of vinegar (after water) and has a distinctive sour taste and pungent smell. Acetic acid is an important chemical reagent and industrial chemical.
The molecular formula CH₃COOH represents:
Where:
Structural Features: The molecule consists of a methyl group attached to a carboxyl group, making it the second simplest carboxylic acid after formic acid.
Physical Properties: Colorless liquid, boiling point 118°C, melting point 16.6°C, density 1.05 g/cm³, miscible with water, ethanol, and ether.
Chemical Properties: Weak acid (pKa = 4.76), forms acetate salts with bases, undergoes typical carboxylic acid reactions including esterification.
Industrial Uses: Production of vinyl acetate monomer, acetic anhydride, acetate esters, as solvent in production of terephthalic acid.
Household Uses: Main component of vinegar (4-8% solution), food preservative, cleaning agent, descaling agent.
Q1: What is the difference between acetic acid and vinegar?
A: Vinegar is a dilute solution of acetic acid (typically 4-8%) in water, while acetic acid refers to the pure chemical compound.
Q2: Is acetic acid dangerous?
A: Concentrated acetic acid is corrosive and can cause burns, while dilute solutions like vinegar are generally safe for consumption and household use.
Q3: What is glacial acetic acid?
A: Glacial acetic acid refers to pure, water-free acetic acid that solidifies into ice-like crystals at 16.6°C, hence the name "glacial."
Q4: How is acetic acid produced industrially?
A: Mainly through methanol carbonylation, where methanol and carbon monoxide react in the presence of a catalyst to form acetic acid.
Q5: What are acetate salts?
A: Acetate salts are compounds formed when acetic acid reacts with bases, such as sodium acetate (CH₃COONa) or calcium acetate.