Study Notes on "ETHANOIC ACID "

ETHANOIC ACID (acetic acid or vinegar,CH₃COOH )

Physical properties

• It is a colourless and pungent smelling liquid.
• Its melting point is 290K so it often freezes during winter and looks like glacier. Therefore, it is also known as glacial acetic acid.
• It is soluble in water in all proportions.
• 5% to 8% solution of Ethanoic acid in water is called vinegar.

Chemical properties 

Reaction with alcohol: 

Ethanoic acid reacts with ethanol in the presence of an acid to give ester.

• CH₂COOH + C₂H₅OH = CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O

Reaction with base:

Ethanoic acid reacts with sodium hydroxide to give sodium ethanoate (sodium acetate) and water.

• CH₃COOH + NaOH = CH₃OONa + H₂O

Reaction with carbonates and bicarbonates:

Ethanoic acid reacts with carbonates and bicarbonates to give salt , carbon dioxide and water.

• 2CH₃COOH + Na₂CO₃ = 2CH₃COONa + CO₂ + H₂O
• CH₃COOH + NaHCO₃ = CH₃COONa + CO₂ + H₂O