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 

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