Question

The main constituent of vinegar is:
a.) Acetic acid
b.) Ascorbic acid
c.) Citric acid
d.) Tartaric acid

Answer 1

Hint: The answer to this question is also a very common example of a weak acid. You can recall the acid you generally use for weak acid-strong base titration. Now it would be easier for you to answer.

Complete step by step answer:

Let us discuss all the options one by one to reach our answer -
Acetic acid - Acetic acid, systematically named ethanoic acid, is a colorless liquid organic compound with the chemical formula $CH_{ 3 }COOH$. When undiluted, it is sometimes called glacial acetic acid. Vinegar is no less than 4% acetic acid by volume, making acetic acid the main component of vinegar apart from water.
Ascorbic acid (${ C }_{ 6 }{ H }_{ 8 }{ O }_{ 6 }$) - Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate, is a vitamin found in various foods and sold as a dietary supplement. It is used to prevent and treat scurvy. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissue and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters.
Citric acid - Citric acid is a weak organic acid that has the chemical formula ${ C }_{ 6 }{ H }_{ 8 }{ O }_{ 7 }$. It occurs naturally in citrus fruits. In biochemistry, it is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, which occurs in the metabolism of all aerobic organisms. More than two million tons of citric acid are manufactured every year.
Tartaric acid (${ C }_{ 4 }{ H }_{ 6 }{ O }_{ 6 }$) - Tartaric acid is a white, crystalline organic acid that occurs naturally in many fruits, most notably in grapes, but also in bananas, tamarinds, and citrus. Its salt, potassium bitartrate, commonly known as cream of tartar, develops naturally in the process of winemaking.

Therefore, we can conclude that the correct answer is option A.

Note: We should also know that Vinegar is used in the culinary arts, as a flavorful, acidic cooking ingredient, or in pickling. As the most easily manufactured mild acid, it has historically had a wide variety of industrial and domestic uses (such as its use as a household cleaner).