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Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid and methanecarboxylic acid, is a colorless liquid that has a strong and distinct pungent and sour smell. Its chemical formula is C2H4O2: it has two carbon (C) atoms, four hydrogen (H) atoms and two oxygen (O) atoms. Because it has a carbon in its chemical formula, it is an organic compound. Its chemical formula can be written multiple ways, as shown here:
C2H4O2
CH3COOH
CH3CO2H
Properties of Acetic acid
Chemical formula | CH3COOH |
Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass | 60.05 g/mol |
Density | 1.05 g/cm3 |
Boiling Point | 118oC |
Melting Point | 16oC |
What are the properties of acetic acid?
- Acidic character
- When dissolved in water, acetic acid undergoes dissociation to form hydrogen (H+) ion. Because of the release of a proton, acetic acid has an acidic character. It turns blue litmus paper red, indicating that it is acidic in nature. However, it is a weak acid because it does not dissociate completely in aqueous solution.
- Reaction with sodium bicarbonate
- Acetic acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide.
Common uses of acetic acid:
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Acetic acid is used as coagulant in the manufacture of rubber.
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It is used in the manufacture of various dye stuffs and perfumes.
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It is used in the manufacture of rayon fibre.
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It is used as a solvent.