Why Is Ethanoic Acid Important in Everyday Life?
Ethanoic is also referred to as ethanoic acid. It is a two-carbon acid and, thus, the carboxylic acid family's second member after methanoic acid (which is a one-carbon carboxylic acid). Although ethanoic acid is the correct and scientifically justified IUPAC name for this acid, its common name, acetic acid, is also mentioned as the IUPAC name in many places. Vinegar, a common household substance used in kitchens, is a solution of 5-8% Ethanoic Acid in water.
What is Ethanoic Acid?
Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is a mild carboxylic acid. C2H4O2 is the primary acetic acid formula. Acetic acid has two carbons, four hydrogens, and two oxygens in its formula. The acetic acid formula is sometimes written as CH3COOH.
Ethanoic Acid Examples
Vinegar acid
Ethylic acid
Methanecarboxylic acid
Glacial acetic acid
Glacial ethanoic acid
Characteristics of Ethanoic Acid
Acetic acid has a flammable temperature of 39°C.
It has a boiling point of 118° Celsius.
Acetic acid has been classified as a flammable organic chemical.
Acetic acid is a hygroscopic substance because it absorbs moisture.
It reacts strongly with both acid and base.
High concentrations of acetic acid can corrode metal and deteriorate plastics and rubber.
Ethanoic Acid Applications
Acetic acid has several applications in a variety of fields. Ethanoic or acetic acid has several industrial applications. The following are some of them:
Acetic acid or ethanoic acid is utilised to produce esters, vinegar, and a variety of polymeric compounds.
It is often used as a catalyst in labs but may also be used on a more significant industrial basis. Acetic acid is utilised in the production of various compounds in chemical plants.
Before examining white blood cells, this chemical is used to separate them from red blood cells.
Acetic acid is utilised in the production of plastics and other synthetic materials.
Ethanoic acid is used to manufacture dyes, pigments, paint and coating agents.
Acetic acid is a chemical extensively used in photographing products such as film and chemical reagents.
Ethanoic acid is also used in the petroleum sector to coat and treat surfaces, such as those on automobiles.
Acetic acid is used in pest management products such as herbicides and insecticides, as well as antifreeze and de-icing agents.
It is also present in several ear drops because acetic acid has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Acetic acid is a food ingredient, flavouring, and preservative in lower amounts. It also controls the acidity of the food.
Vinegar preserves fruits and vegetables in pickling because acetic acid stops the growth of microorganisms.
Plastic Bottles That are Produced Using Ethanoic Acid
Summary
Ethanoic acid is an organic compound that can be used as a chemical intermediate, as a reagent in organic synthesis, and to produce other chemicals. In modern life, ethanoic acid is an essential chemical compound used to manufacture products such as plastic, detergents, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. Acetic acid is used commercially to create metal acetates, textiles, photographic films, some printing processes, volatile organic esters, and as a lubricant for resins and paints. Acetic acid is a crucial biological catalyst that naturally occurs in plant juices and bodily fluids.
FAQs on Uses of Ethanoic Acid: Detailed Guide with Examples
1. What is ethanoic acid according to the Class 10 curriculum?
Ethanoic acid, commonly known as acetic acid, is a carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH₃COOH. As per the Class 10 syllabus, it belongs to the homologous series of carboxylic acids. Its functional group is the carboxyl group (-COOH), which is responsible for its acidic properties.
2. What are five common uses of ethanoic acid in everyday life?
Five important uses of ethanoic acid are:
- As a food preservative: It is used in the form of vinegar (a 4-8% solution) for pickling vegetables and preserving sauces.
- As a flavouring agent: Vinegar is widely used in cooking to add a sour taste to dishes and dressings.
- In the production of esters: It reacts with alcohols to form esters, which are sweet-smelling compounds used in perfumes and artificial flavours.
- As a cleaning agent: Its acidic nature helps in removing stains and descaling mineral deposits from surfaces.
- In the manufacturing of rayon: It is used in the process of making cellulose acetate, a key component for producing rayon fabric.
3. Why is pure, anhydrous ethanoic acid called 'glacial' acetic acid?
Pure, water-free ethanoic acid is called glacial acetic acid because its melting point is 16.6°C (about 290 K). In cold climates or during winter, it frequently freezes to form ice-like crystals that resemble a glacier. This is a distinctive physical property of concentrated ethanoic acid.
4. How does ethanoic acid act as a preservative in food items like pickles?
Ethanoic acid acts as a preservative by creating an acidic environment in which most bacteria and fungi cannot survive or multiply. In the form of vinegar, it lowers the pH of the food (like pickles), inhibiting the growth of spoilage-causing microorganisms and thus extending the shelf life of the food.
5. What are the key chemical properties of ethanoic acid that determine its various uses?
The uses of ethanoic acid are directly linked to its key chemical properties:
- Acidity: Its ability to release H+ ions makes it a weak acid, which is why it is used as a cleaning agent and a food preservative to inhibit microbial growth.
- Esterification Reaction: Its reaction with alcohols in the presence of an acid catalyst to form sweet-smelling esters is the basis for its use in the perfume and flavouring industries.
- Solvency: Ethanoic acid is a good polar protic solvent, allowing it to dissolve many organic and inorganic compounds, making it useful in the production of inks and dyes.
6. How is ethanoic acid used to create esters, and what are some examples of their applications?
Ethanoic acid is used to create esters through a process called esterification. This chemical reaction involves heating ethanoic acid with an alcohol in the presence of a few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid, which acts as a catalyst. The resulting product is an ester, which typically has a characteristic fruity smell. For example, when ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol, it produces ethyl ethanoate, an ester used as a solvent and in artificial fruit flavourings.
7. Is the ethanoic acid in vinegar the same as the one used in labs? Explain the difference.
While the chemical compound (CH₃COOH) is the same, their concentration and purity are very different. The ethanoic acid in vinegar is a dilute aqueous solution, typically containing only 4% to 8% ethanoic acid. In contrast, the ethanoic acid used in laboratories, known as glacial acetic acid, is highly concentrated (over 99% pure) and corrosive. Therefore, vinegar is safe for consumption, but concentrated lab-grade ethanoic acid is hazardous and not edible.
8. What is the role of ethanoic acid in the medical and pharmaceutical industries?
In the medical and pharmaceutical industries, ethanoic acid has several important roles. It is used as an antiseptic to treat outer ear infections and other skin infections due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Furthermore, it serves as a crucial chemical reagent in the synthesis of various drugs, such as aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), and other pharmaceutical products.
