Ethanoic Acid

Today, the majority of ethanoic acid is synthesised and used to make other important chemicals such as plastics. However, for thousands of years, it was only produced biologically by microbes known as acetic acid bacteria. 

This biologically produced acid is what we call vinegar, and it is the only type of ethanoic acid that Trading Standards allows to be labelled as vinegar in the UK. Chip shops can’t just put synthetically produced ethanoic acid in a bottle and call it vinegar – that’s technically ‘non-brewed condiment.’

To make what is known as “real vinegar,” a biological process similar to that used to make beer must be used. Acid-producing bacteria are round or rod-shaped bugs that thrive on grapes and winery barrels, where they spoil wine by converting the alcohol (ethanol) in it to acid. Winemakers deal with this issue by keeping the barrels airtight, because depriving bacteria of oxygen reduces their population.

Ethanoic acid definition

Ethanoic acid (also known as acetic acid) is a two-carbon acid that is the second member of the carboxylic acid family after methanoic acid (which is a one-carbon carboxylic acid).

Although ethanoic acid is the correct and technically correct IUPAC term for this acid, its common name, acetic acid, is frequently used as its IUPAC designation. Vinegar is a popular household product made from a 5-8 percent Ethanoic Acid solution in water. It is frequently used in kitchens. Ethanoic acid freezes throughout the winter, resembling a glacier; as a result, it is also known as glacial acetic acid and is a common laboratory chemical.

Chemical Properties of Ethanoic Acid

Esterification Reaction: When a carboxylic acid reacts with alcohol, esters are formed, which are a new chemical family. The chemical process that results in the production of esters is known as esterification. When Ethanoic Acid (a carboxylic acid) reacts with Ethanol (ethyl alcohol), ethyl ethanoate (an ester) is formed, as shown below:

CH3 COOH + CH3 CH2 OH → CH3 COOCH2 CH3

This reaction results in the formation of a new class of chemical compounds with a distinct fruity odour that makes them easily identifiable. Esters are used in the food industry as synthetic flavouring agents, and they are also used in the perfume industry for their pleasant scents. Aside from that, one of the most common applications of esters is in the production of soap. When esters react with any base (especially alkalis), a carboxylic acid salt (the basic molecular structure of soap) is formed. This process is known as the saponification reaction. This reaction works best with higher molecular weight esters.

Ethanoic acid physical properties

(i)Ethanoic acid is a liquid that smells like vinegar. Lower carboxylic acids are liquids, while higher carboxylic acids are solids.

(ii) Ethanoic acid has a sour taste. Other lower carboxylic acids have a sour taste as well.

(iii) The boiling point of ethanol is 391 K. The boiling points of carboxylic acids are higher than those of the corresponding alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones.

(iv) Acetic acid is soluble in water, which means it is miscible in all proportions with water. Lower carboxylic acids are soluble in water, but as molecular weight increases, solubility decreases.

(v) At 290 K, acetic acid freezes. As a result, acetic acid crystallisation can occur in cold weather, which is why pure acetic acid is known as glacial acetic acid.

Ethanoic acid uses

1.)It is used as a solvent in a number of processes that require an aprotic solvent.

2.)It is used to make vinegar, esters, and synthetic polymers.

3.)It is used in laboratories as a blood cell lysing agent.

4.)It is employed in the treatment of fungal infections.

5.)Soap Manufacturing: To make soap, animal fats or vegetable oils (olive oil, castor oil, or palm oil) are heated with sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. To make soap, combine fat or vegetable oils with a strong sodium hydroxide solution and heat until soap and glycerol form. The process of making soap is known as the saponification reaction. Glycerol is a valuable byproduct of this process because it is used in the production of a wide range of chemical compounds, explosives, and pharmaceuticals.

Conclusion

Today, the majority of ethanoic acid is synthesised and used to make other important chemicals such as plastics. This biologically produced acid is what we call vinegar, and it is the only type of ethanoic acid that Trading Standards allows to be labelled as vinegar in the UK. Ethanoic acid is a two-carbon acid that is the second member of the carboxylic acid family after methanoic acid (which is a one-carbon carboxylic acid). Ethanoic acid freezes throughout the winter, resembling a glacier; as a result, it is also known as glacial acetic acid and is a common laboratory chemical. The chemical process that results in the production of esters is known as esterification.  Ethanoic acid is a liquid that smells like vinegar.