Ethanoic acid
CH₃COOH
Ethanoic acid, also known as acetic acid, is a clear, colorless liquid with a sharp, unpleasant smell. Its chemical formula is CH3COOH. It is a weak organic acid and can be found in vinegar, which is typically a 5-8% solution of acetic acid in water.
Ethanoic acid has numerous industrial applications, including in the production of vinyl acetate, synthetic fibers, and solvents. It is also used as a food preservative and in the manufacture of dyes, pigments, and pharmaceuticals.
In terms of its chemical properties, ethanoic acid can react with metals to form their acetates and hydrogen gas. It can also undergo esterification reactions to form esters with alcohols and dehydration reactions to form ketones and aldehydes. When it reacts with carbonates and bicarbonates, it produces carbon dioxide gas.
In the laboratory, ethanoic acid can be used as a solvent for organic compounds and as an acid catalyst in various organic reactions. Its physical properties, such as its boiling point of 118°C and melting point of 16.6°C, make it a useful solvent for certain applications. Additionally, its acid properties allow it to be used as a catalyst in many reactions, particularly in the synthesis of esters.
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