Ethanoic acid is used as an agent to lyse red blood cells before white blood cells are examined.
Ethanoic acid is used as a solvent in the production of camphor, ascent and cooking ingredient.
Ethanoic acid is used as a stop bath for photographic emulsion development.
CAS Number: 64-19-7
EC Number: 200-580-7
MDL number: MFCD00036152
E number: E260 (preservatives)
Molecular Formula: C2H4O2 / CH3COOH
Molecular Weight: 60.05 g/mol
SYNONYMS:
Ethanoic Acid, Methanecarboxylic Acid, Vinegar Acid, Hydrogen Acetate, Glacial Acetic Acid, Ethylic Acid, Acetyl Hydroxide, E260 (food additive), Acetic acid (aqueous), Ethanoic acid, Glacial acetic acid, Methanecarboxylic acid, Ethanoic acid, vinegar, ethylic acid, vinegar acid, methanecarboxylic acid, TCLP extraction fluid 2, shotgun, glacial acetic acid, glacial ethanoic acid, Ethanoic acid, Ethylic acid, Glacial acetic acid, Methanecarboxylic acid, Vinegar acid, CH3COOH, Acetasol, Acide acetique, Acido acetico, Azijnzuur, Essigsaeure, Octowy kwas, Acetic acid, glacial, Kyselina octova, UN 2789, Aci-jel, Shotgun, Ethanoic acid monomer, NSC 132953, Acetic acid, Ethanoic acid, Vinegar (when dilute), Hydrogen acetate, Methanecarboxylic acid, Ethylic acid, Ethanoic acid, Ethylic acid, Glacial acetic acid, Methanecarboxylic acid, Vinegar acid, CH3COOH, Acetasol, Acide acetique, Acido acetico, Azijnzuur, Essigsaeure, Octowy kwas, Acetic acid, glacial, Kyselina octova, UN 2789, Aci-jel, Shotgun, Ethanoic acid monomer, NSC 132953, Ethanoic acid, vinegar, ethylic acid, vinegar acid, methanecarboxylic acid, TCLP extraction fluid 2, shotgun, glacial acetic acid, glacial ethanoic acid, Ethanoic acid, Ethylic acid, Glacial acetic acid, Methanecarboxylic acid, Vinegar acid, CH3COOH, Acetasol, Acide acetique, Acido acetico, Azijnzuur, Essigsaeure, Octowy kwas, Acetic acid, glacial, Kyselina octova, UN 2789, Aci-jel, Shotgun, Ethanoic acid monomer, NSC 132953, BDBM50074329, FA 2:0, LMFA01010002, NSC132953, NSC406306, Acetic acid for HPLC >=99.8%, AKOS000268789, ACIDUM ACETICUM [WHO-IP LATIN], DB03166, UN 2789, Acetic acid >=99.5% FCC FG, Acetic acid natural >=99.5% FG, Acetic acid ReagentPlus(R) >=99%, CAS-64-19-7, USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 044001, Acetic acid USP 99.5-100.5%, NCGC00255303-01, Acetic acid 1000 microg/mL in Methanol, Acetic acid SAJ first grade >=99.0%, Acetic acid 1000 microg/mL in Acetonitrile, Acetic acid >=99.99% trace metals basis, Acetic acid JIS special grade >=99.7%, Acetic acid purified by double-distillation, NS00002089, Acetic acid UV HPLC spectroscopic 99.9%, EN300-18074, Acetic acid Vetec(TM) reagent grade >=99%, Bifido Selective Supplement B for microbiology, C00033, D00010, ORLEX HC COMPONENT ACETIC ACID GLACIAL, Q47512, VOSOL HC COMPONENT ACETIC ACID GLACIAL, Acetic acid glacial electronic grade 99.7%, TRIDESILON COMPONENT ACETIC ACID GLACIAL, A834671, ACETASOL HC COMPONENT ACETIC ACID GLACIAL, Acetic acid >=99.7% SAJ super special grade, ACETIC ACID GLACIAL COMPONENT OF BOROFAIR, ACETIC ACID GLACIAL COMPONENT OF ORLEX HC, ACETIC ACID GLACIAL COMPONENT OF VOSOL HC, SR-01000944354, ACETIC ACID GLACIAL COMPONENT OF TRIDESILON, SR-01000944354-1, ACETIC ACID GLACIAL COMPONENT OF ACETASOL HC, Glacial acetic acid meets USP testing specifications, InChI=1/C2H4O2/c1-2(3)4/h1H3(H,3,4), Acetic acid >=99.7% suitable for amino acid analysis, Acetic acid >=99.7% for titration in non-aqueous medium, Acetic acid for luminescence BioUltra >=99.5% GC, Acetic acid p.a. ACS reagent reag. ISO reag. Ph. Eur. 99.8%, Acetic acid semiconductor grade MOS PURANAL(TM) Honeywell 17926, Glacial acetic acid United States Pharmacopeia USP Reference Standard, Acetic acid puriss. p.a. ACS reagent reag. ISO reag. Ph. Eur. >=99.8%, Glacial Acetic Acid Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard Certified Reference Material, Acetic acid puriss. meets analytical specification of Ph. Eur. BP USP FCC 99.8-100.5%, acetic-acid, Glacial acetate, acetic cid, actic acid, UNII-Q40Q9N063P, acetic -acid, Distilled vinegar, Methanecarboxylate, Acetic acid glacial [USP:JAN], Acetasol (TN), Acetic acid glacial for LC-MS, Vinegar (Salt/Mix), HOOCCH3, 546-67-8, Acetic acid LC/MS Grade, ACETIC ACID [II], ACETIC ACID [MI], Acetic acid ACS reagent, bmse000191, bmse000817, bmse000857, Otic Domeboro (Salt/Mix), EC 200-580-7, Acetic acid (JP17/NF), ACETIC ACID [FHFI], ACETIC ACID [INCI], Acetic Acid [for LC-MS], ACETIC ACID [VANDF], NCIOpen2_000659, NCIOpen2_000682, Acetic acid glacial (USP), 4-02-00-00094 (Beilstein Handbook Reference), 77671-22-8, Glacial acetic acid (JP17), UN 2790 (Salt/Mix), ACETIC ACID [WHO-DD], ACETIC ACID [WHO-IP], ACETICUM ACIDUM [HPUS], GTPL1058, Acetic Acid Glacial HPLC Grade, Acetic acid analytical standard, Acetic acid Glacial USP grade, Acetic acid puriss. >=80%, Acetic acid 99.8% anhydrous, Acetic acid AR >=99.8%, Acetic acid LR >=99.5%, Acetic acid extra pure 99.8%, Acetic acid 99.5-100.0%, Acetic acid Glacial ACS Reagent, STR00276, Acetic acid puriss. 99-100%, Tox21_301453, Acetic acid glacial >=99.85%, acetic acid, ethanoic acid, 64-19-7, Ethylic acid, Vinegar acid, Acetic acid glacial, Glacial acetic acid, Acetic acid glacial, Methanecarboxylic acid, Acetasol, Essigsaeure, Acide acetique, Pyroligneous acid, Vinegar, Azijnzuur, Aceticum acidum, Acido acetico, Octowy kwas, Aci-jel, HOAc, ethoic acid, Kyselina octova, Orthoacetic acid, AcOH, Ethanoic acid monomer, Acetic, Caswell No. 003, Otic Tridesilon, MeCOOH, Acetic acid-17O2, Otic Domeboro, Acidum aceticum glaciale, Acidum aceticum, CH3-COOH, acetic acid-, CH3CO2H, UN2789, UN2790, EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 044001, NSC 132953, NSC-132953, NSC-406306, BRN 0506007, Acetic acid diluted, INS NO.260, Acetic acid [JAN], DTXSID5024394, MeCO2H, CHEBI:15366, AI3-02394, CH3COOH, INS-260, Q40Q9N063P, E-260, 10.Methanecarboxylic acid, CHEMBL539, NSC-111201, NSC-112209, NSC-115870, NSC-127175, Acetic acid-2-13C,d4, INS No. 260, DTXCID304394, E 260, Acetic-13C2 acid (8CI,9CI), Ethanoat, Shotgun, MFCD00036152, Acetic acid of a concentration of more than 10 per cent by weight of acetic acid, 285977-76-6, 68475-71-8, C2:0, acetyl alcohol, Orlex, Vosol, ACETIC-1-13C-2-D3 ACID-1 H (D), WLN: QV1, ACETIC ACID (MART.), ACETIC ACID [MART.], Acetic acid >=99.7%, 57745-60-5, 63459-47-2, FEMA Number 2006, ACETIC-13C2-2-D3 ACID, 97 ATOM % 13C, 97 ATOM % D, Acetic acid ACS reagent >=99.7%, ACY, HSDB 40, CCRIS 5952, 79562-15-5, methane carboxylic acid, EINECS 200-580-7, Acetic acid 0.25% in plastic container, Essigsaure, Ethylate, acetic acid, Acetic acid, Ethanoic acid, Vinegar (when dilute), Hydrogen acetate, Methanecarboxylic acid, Ethylic acid, acetic acid, ethanoic acid, 64-19-7, Acetic acid glacial, Ethylic acid, Vinegar acid, Glacial acetic acid, Acetic acid, glacial, Methanecarboxylic acid, Essigsaeure, Acide acetique, Pyroligneous acid, Vinegar, Azijnzuur, Aceticum acidum, Acido acetico, Octowy kwas, Aci-jel, HOAc, ethoic acid, Ethanoic acid, Ethylic acid, Glacial acetic acid, Methanecarboxylic acid, Vinegar acid, CH3COOH, Acetasol, Acide acetique, Acido acetico, Azijnzuur, Essigsaeure, Octowy kwas, Acetic acid, glacial, Kyselina octova, UN 2789, Aci-jel, Shotgun, Ethanoic acid monomer, NSC 132953,
Acetic acid /əˈsiːtɪk/, systematically named ethanoic acid /ˌɛθəˈnoʊɪk/, is an acidic, colourless liquid and organic compound with the chemical formula CH3COOH (also written as CH3CO2H, C2H4O2, or HC2H3O2).
Vinegar is at least 4% acetic acid by volume, making acetic acid the main component of vinegar apart from water.
Ethanoic acid has been used, as a component of vinegar, throughout history from at least the third century BC.
Ethanoic acid is the second simplest carboxylic acid (after formic acid).
The global demand for Ethanoic acid as of 2023 is about 17.88 million metric tonnes per year (t/a).
Most of the world's Ethanoic acid is produced via the carbonylation of methanol.
There are few better examples of improvements in the manufacture of chemicals in recent years than that of ethanoic acid.
Up to the last few years much was manufactured by the non-catalytic oxidation of naphtha which gave large quantities of side-products.
Ethanoic acid is now usually manufactured from methanol with yields of over 99%.
Much of the ethanoic acid produced is converted into ethenyl ethanoate (vinyl acetate) which is the monomer for poly(ethenyl ethanoate) and ethanoic anhydride (acetic anhydride) which is used principally to make cellulose ethanoate.
Ethanoic Acid (CH3COOH) is the most generally available acid.
Ethanoic acid's common name is Vinegar.
Vinegar is a popular home product made from a solution of 5-8 % Ethanoic Acid in water.
Ethanoic Acid is commonly used in kitchens as a preservative for foods.
Ethanoic acid is a weak acid and consuming it in mild concentration does not affect our health.
Ethanoic acid is a two-carbon acid that follows methanoic acid as the second member of the carboxylic acid family.
Ethanoic acid is a weak acid.
Ethanoic acid is a colourless liquid with the chemical formula CH3COOH it is denser than water.
A 5-8% solution of Ethanoic Acid is used as food preservative and as pickling agent.
As with all Ethanoic acid it has a sour taste and it has a ph of less than 7.
Ethanoic acid has a structural formula of CH3COOH, the simplest carboxylic acid after methanoic acid, and its substituent group is methyl.
Ethanoic acid is an important chemical reagent and industrial chemical primarily used in producing synthetic fibers and fabrics, polyvinyl acetate for wood glue, and ethyl cellulose for film stock.
Ethanoic acid is controlled in the food industry as a condiment and acidity modifier.
The acetyl group, formed from Ethanoic acid, is required by all living things in biology.
When coupled to coenzyme A, Ethanoic acid is required to produce fatty acids and carbohydrates.
Ethanoic acid, also known as acetic acid, is a versatile organic acid with a wide range of industrial, chemical, and household applications.
Ethanoic acid is a component of the carboxylic acid group.
In contrast, Ethanoic acid is the chemical name assigned by IUPAC.
The terms ethanoic acid refers to the same chemical.
Ethanoic acid is a chemical compound.
The ethanoic acid formula is CH3COOH.
Vinegar is a popular household product used in kitchens that is a solution of 5-8 percent Ethanoic Acid in water.
Because ethanoic acid freezes throughout the winter and takes on a glacier-like look, it is also known as glacial ethanoic acid and is a frequent experimental compound.
Ethanoic acid is responsible for vinegar’s pungent aroma and tartness.
USES and APPLICATIONS of ETHANOIC ACID:
Cleaning Agent use of Ethanoic acid: Effective in removing limescale, grease, and other deposits.
Medical Applications: Ethanoic acid is used in some pharmaceutical products and as an antiseptic.
Laboratory Reagent: Ethanoic acid is used as a solvent and a reagent in various chemical reactions.
Ethanoic acid is an important chemical reagent and industrial chemical across various fields, used primarily in the production of cellulose acetate for photographic film, polyvinyl acetate for wood glue, and synthetic fibres and fabrics.
In households, diluted Ethanoic acid is often used in descaling agents.
In the food industry, Ethanoic acid is controlled by the food additive code E260 as an acidity regulator and as a condiment.
In biochemistry, the acetyl group, derived from Ethanoic acid, is fundamental to all forms of life.
When bound to coenzyme A, Ethanoic acid is central to the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
Sodium acetate, is used in the textile industry and as a food preservative (E262).
Copper(II) acetate, is used as a pigment and a fungicide.
Aluminium acetate and iron(II) acetate—used as mordants for dyes.
Palladium(II) acetate, is used as a catalyst for organic coupling reactions such as the Heck reaction.
Halogenated Ethanoic acids are produced from Ethanoic acid.
Some commercially significant derivatives:
Amounts of Ethanoic acid used in these other applications together account for another 5–10% of Ethanoic acid use worldwide.
Ethanoic acid is widely used in many industries.
Commercially Ethanoic acid is used in the manufacturing of esters, vinegar, and many polymeric materials.
Vinegar has been shown to reduce high concentrations of blood sugar.
Ethanoic acid is used as an agent to lyse red blood cells before white blood cells are examined.
Ethanoic acid is used as a solvent in the production of camphor, ascent and cooking ingredient.
Ethanoic acid is used as a stop bath for photographic emulsion development.
Farmers sometimes spray Ethanoic acid on livestock silage to fight fungal and bacterial growth.
Distilled Ethanoic acid is commonly used in households as a sanitizing solution to help eliminate limescale from steel domestic items.
Ethanoic acid has a variety of applications.
As a result, Ethanoic acid is utilized in various applications, including as a food preservative (vinegar).
Some of the most common and prominent applications are as follows:
Ethanoic acid is used as a solvent for various reactions which require aprotic solvent.
Ethanoic acid is used in the production of vinegar, esters, and synthetic polymers.
Ethanoic acid is used as a blood cell lysing agent in laboratories.
Ethanoic acid is used as an antifungal agent.
-Application of Ethanoic Acid in Industry:
Ethanoic acid is used to produce chemicals in a variety of industrial processes.
Ethanoic acid is also used as a chemical reagent to produce a variety of chemicals such as acetone, ethylene oxide, ester, vinegar, and others.
Ethanoic acid may even be used for crystallization, making it useful for organic compound filtration.
-Utilization in the Food Industry of Ethanoic Acid
Ethanoic acid’s structural formula is the same as vinegar, a common ingredient in the food and beverage industry.
Ethanoic acid is most widely used in the food sector in industrial preservation procedures and sauces such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.
Ethanoic acid also adds taste to a variety of foods, including vegetables.
Moreover, vinegar may interact with basic substances such as baking soda, producing a gas that aids in raising bread items.
-At-Home Applications of Ethanoic Acid:
A weak mixture of Ethanoic acid is widely used as vinegar at home.
As we all know, Ethanoic acid is commonly used in the home for cleaning, laundry, cooking, and other duties.
Farmers use Ethanoic acid on cow feed to reduce bacterial and fungal growth.
-Application of Ethanoic Acid in Medicine:
Ethanoic acid has several therapeutic applications.
Ethanoic acid's primary application is as an antibiotic against pathogens, including streptococci, pseudomonas, staphylococci, and enterococci.
Ethanoic acid is frequently used to clean the bladders of persons who use foley catheters to avoid blockage and illness.
Ethanoic acid is extremely effective against skin infections caused by Pseudomonas bacteria that have gained antibiotic resistance. Ethanoic acid is also very useful as a cervical carcinoma diagnostic tool.
When the cervix is subjected to Ethanoic acid, the examination is considered effective if certain areas turn white.
Ethanoic acid is also used in chromoendoscopy to detect gastric cancer in its early phases.
-Industrial Applications of Ethanoic acid:
Ethanoic acid is used in the production of polymers like polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
A precursor for acetic anhydride and vinyl acetate monomer.
-Food Industry:
Ethanoic acid functions as an acidity regulator (E260) in food products.
Ethanoic acid is commonly used in vinegar production.
10 PRIMARY USES OF ETHANOIC ACID:
*Food Industry:
Ethanoic acid is used as a food additive in the form of vinegar, which is a dilute solution of Ethanoic acid.
Ethanoic acid is commonly used for flavoring, preserving, and pickling foods.
Ethanoic acid is also used in the production of various condiments, salad dressings, and marinades.
*Chemical Manufacturing:
Ethanoic acid serves as a crucial precursor in the production of various chemicals, including acetic anhydride, acetate esters, and synthetic fibers like acetate and triacetate.
Ethanoic acid is a key component in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, dyes, perfumes, and various other chemicals.
*Textile Industry:
Ethanoic acid is used in the production of cellulose acetate, which is used to make fibers for textiles, photographic films, and various industrial products.
Ethanoic acid is also used as a solvent in textile dyeing and finishing processes.
*Plastics and Polymers:
Ethanoic acid is involved in the production of synthetic polymers, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl acetate (PVA).
Ethanoic acid is used as a solvent in the manufacture of various resins and polymers.
*Cleaning and Disinfection:
Ethanoic acid’s acidic properties make it effective as a cleaning agent and disinfectant.
Ethanoic acid is often used for cleaning windows, countertops, and surfaces in households and industrial settings.
Ethanoic acid is a natural alternative to harsher chemicals and can be used for descaling kettles and coffee makers.
*Laboratory Applications:
Ethanoic acid is commonly used in laboratories as a solvent, reagent, and pH regulator for various chemical reactions.
Ethanoic acid is also used in histology and microscopy for tissue processing and staining.
*Preservation and Pickling:
Ethanoic acid is used in the preservation and pickling of vegetables, fruits, and other food products, preventing spoilage and extending shelf life.
Ethanoic acid imparts a sour taste to pickled foods.
*pH Control in Water Treatment:
Ethanoic acid is used in water treatment processes to control pH levels and neutralize alkaline water.
*Medicine and Pharmaceuticals:
Ethanoic acid can be found in various pharmaceutical formulations as an excipient or as a chemical reagent in drug synthesis.
USES OF ETHANOIC ACID: OTHER APPLICATIONS
Ethanoic acid is used in the production of acetate plastics, adhesives, and sealants.
Ethanoic acid can be used as a herbicide and weed killer in agriculture.
It’s important to note that Ethanoic acid is a strong acid and should be handled with care.
When used in industrial processes or as a cleaning agent, appropriate safety measures and protective equipment are necessary to ensure the safety of workers.
Additionally, food-grade Ethanoic acid is used in food applications to ensure it is safe for consumption.
USES OF ETHANOIC ACID:
Ethanoic acid is a chemical reagent for the production of chemical compounds.
The largest single use of Ethanoic acid is in the production of vinyl acetate monomer, closely followed by acetic anhydride and ester production.
The volume of Ethanoic acid used in vinegar is comparatively small.
*Vinyl acetate monomer
The primary use of Ethanoic acid is the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM).
In 2008, this application was estimated to consume a third of the world's production of Ethanoic acid.
The reaction consists of ethylene and Ethanoic acid with oxygen over a palladium catalyst, conducted in the gas phase.
2 H3C−COOH + 2 C2H4 + O2 → 2 H3C−CO−O−CH=CH2 + 2 H2O
Vinyl acetate can be polymerised to polyvinyl acetate or other polymers, which are components in paints and adhesives.
*Ester production
The major esters of Ethanoic acid are commonly used as solvents for inks, paints and coatings.
The esters include ethyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, and propyl acetate.
They are typically produced by catalyzed reaction from Ethanoic acid and the corresponding alcohol:
CH3COO−H + HO−R → CH3COO−R + H2O, R = general alkyl group
For example, Ethanoic acid and ethanol gives ethyl acetate and water.
CH3COO−H + HO−CH2CH3 → CH3COO−CH2CH3 + H2O
Most acetate esters, however, are produced from acetaldehyde using the Tishchenko reaction.
In addition, ether acetates are used as solvents for nitrocellulose, acrylic lacquers, varnish removers, and wood stains.
First, glycol monoethers are produced from ethylene oxide or propylene oxide with alcohol, which are then esterified with Ethanoic acid.
The three major products are ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate (EEA), ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate (EBA), and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PMA, more commonly known as PGMEA in semiconductor manufacturing processes, where it is used as a resist solvent).
This application consumes about 15% to 20% of worldwide Ethanoic acid.
Ether acetates, for example EEA, have been shown to be harmful to human reproduction.
*Acetic anhydride
The product of the condensation of two molecules of Ethanoic acid is acetic anhydride.
The worldwide production of acetic anhydride is a major application, and uses approximately 25% to 30% of the global production of Ethanoic acid.
The main process involves dehydration of Ethanoic acid to give ketene at 700–750 °C.
Ketene is thereafter reacted with Ethanoic acid to obtain the anhydride:
CH3CO2H → CH2=C=O + H2O
CH3CO2H + CH2=C=O → (CH3CO)2O
Acetic anhydride is an acetylation agent.
As such, its major application is for cellulose acetate, a synthetic textile also used for photographic film.
Acetic anhydride is also a reagent for the production of heroin and other compounds.
*Use as solvent
As a polar protic solvent, Ethanoic acid is frequently used for recrystallization to purify organic compounds.
Ethanoic acid is used as a solvent in the production of terephthalic acid (TPA), the raw material for polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
In 2006, about 20% of Ethanoic acid was used for TPA production.
Ethanoic acid is often used as a solvent for reactions involving carbocations, such as Friedel-Crafts alkylation.
For example, one stage in the commercial manufacture of synthetic camphor involves a Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement of camphene to isobornyl acetate; here Ethanoic acid acts both as a solvent and as a nucleophile to trap the rearranged carbocation.
Ethanoic acid is used in analytical chemistry for the estimation of weakly alkaline substances such as organic amides.
Ethanoic acid is a much weaker base than water, so the amide behaves as a strong base in this medium.
It then can be titrated using a solution in glacial Ethanoic acid of a very strong acid, such as perchloric acid.
*Medical use
Ethanoic acid injection into a tumor has been used to treat cancer since the 1800s.
Ethanoic acid is used as part of cervical cancer screening in many areas in the developing world.
Ethanoic acid is applied to the cervix and if an area of white appears after about a minute the test is positive.
Ethanoic acid is an effective antiseptic when used as a 1% solution, with broad spectrum of activity against streptococci, staphylococci, pseudomonas, enterococci and others.
Ethanoic acid may be used to treat skin infections caused by pseudomonas strains resistant to typical antibiotics.
While diluted Ethanoic acid is used in iontophoresis, no high quality evidence supports this treatment for rotator cuff disease.
As a treatment for otitis externa, it is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
*Foods
Ethanoic acid has 349 kcal (1,460 kJ) per 100 g.
Vinegar is typically no less than 4% Ethanoic acid by mass.
Legal limits on Ethanoic acid content vary by jurisdiction.
Vinegar is used directly as a condiment, and in the pickling of vegetables and other foods.
Table vinegar tends to be more diluted (4% to 8% Ethanoic acid), while commercial food pickling employs solutions that are more concentrated.
The proportion of Ethanoic acid used worldwide as vinegar is not as large as industrial uses, but it is by far the oldest and best-known application.
STRUCTURE, USES, PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ETHANOIC ACID:
Ethanoic Acid - Structure, Uses, Physical and Chemical Properties
Ethanoic acid is a two-carbon acid and hence is the second member of the carboxylic acid family after methanoic acid (which is a one-carbon carboxylic acid).
Although a correct and scientifically valid IUPAC name for this acid is ethanoic acid, you may also find its common name, Ethanoic acid, mentioned as its IUPAC name at a lot of places.
A solution of 5-8% of Ethanoic Acid in water is known as vinegar, which is a common household substance used in kitchens.
Ethanoic Acid freezes during winters and forms a glacier-like appearance; therefore it is also sometimes referred to as glacial Ethanoic acid and is a very common laboratory chemical.
STRUCTURE OF ETHANOIC ACID:
The chemical formula of Ethanoic Acid is CH3COOH which can also be written as CH3CO2H or C2H4O2 in the condensed form.
Ethanoic acid's molecular mass (or molar mass) is 60.05 g/mol.
Ethanoic acid has the second simplest possible structure of a carboxylic acid after Methanoic acid.
Ethanoic acid comprises a methyl (–CH3) group attached to the carboxylic acid functional group (–COOH).
However, some may also argue that Ethanoic acid's structure is formed by a linkage between an acetyl group (–CH3CO) and a hydroxyl group (–OH).
Ethanoic acid has sp2 hybridisation.
Usually, Ethanoic Acid exists as a dimer in liquid and vapour state due to the intermolecular hydrogen bonding which occurs between two molecules of ethanoic acid.
The more electronegative oxygen atom of the carboxylic acid group attracts the electron cloud of the lesser electronegative hydrogen atom, thereby forming a hydrogen bond.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ETHANOIC ACID:
Pure Ethanoic Acid is a colourless clear liquid which has a very pungent and characteristic odour:
The flash point of Ethanoic Acid is 39°C.
The density of Ethanoic Acid is 1.05 g/cm3.
The boiling point of Ethanoic Acid is 118°C and it’s melting point is 16°C.
Ethanoic Acid has one hydrogen bond donor and two hydrogen bond acceptor atoms.
The solubility of pure Ethanoic Acid in water is >100 mg/mL at 250C.
It implies that Ethanoic acid is highly soluble in water in all proportions.
Ethanoic Acid is completely soluble in organic solvents such as carbon tetrachloride and carbon disulfide.
Ethanoic acid is miscible with organic solvents such as ethyl ether, benzene, acetone, glycerol and ethanol.
The vapor pressure of Ethanoic Acid is 15.7 mm Hg at 250C.
The LogP of Ethanoic Acid is -0.17.
Ethanoic Acid is generally stable at normal laboratory storage temperature and other conditions.
The viscosity of Ethanoic Acid is 1.056 mPa-s at 250C.
The surface tension of Ethanoic Acid is 27.10 mN/m at 250C.
The heat of combustion of Ethanoic Acid is 874.2 kJ/mol.
The heat of evaporation of Ethanoic Acid is 23.36 at 250C.
The pH of 1.0 Molar solution of Ethanoic Acid is 2.4.
The pKa (dissociation constant) of Ethanoic Acid is 4.76 at 250C.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ETHANOIC ACID: (REACTIONS OF ETHANOIC ACID:)
Esterification Reaction:
When any carboxylic acid reacts with any alcohol, Ethanoic acid leads to the formation of another class of chemical compounds named esters.
This reaction which leads to the formation of esters is known as the esterification reaction.
Given below is an example presented when the Ethanoic Acid (a carboxylic acid) reacts with Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) resulting in the formation of ethyl ethanoate (an ester):
CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH → CH3COOCH2CH3
(Ethanoic acid) (Ethanol) (Ethyl Ethanoate)
The new class of chemical compounds formed by this reaction (Esters) has a characteristic fruity smell by which they can be easily identified.
Esters are commercially used as synthetic flavoring agents in the food industry and for their good fragrance in the perfume industry.
Apart from this, one of the main uses of esters is in the production of soaps.
When esters are reacted with any base (particularly alkalis), they give a carboxylic acid salt which is the basic molecular structure of soaps.
This reaction is known as the saponification reaction.
Higher molecular weight esters are generally preferred to carry out this reaction.
A general elucidation of a saponification reaction is given below:
RCOOR’ + NaOH → RCOO–Na+ + R’OH
(An ester) (Sodium hydroxide) (Soap) (Alcohol)
Reaction with Base:
Ethanoic Acid is a weak acid.
Like any acid, it reacts with a base to form one molecule of salt and one molecule of water.
An example of this reaction is given below where Ethanoic acid is reacting with Sodium Hydroxide (a base) to form sodium ethanoate and water:
CH3COOH + NaOH → CH3COONa + H2O
(Ethanoic Acid) (Sodium (Sodium (water) hydroxide) ethanoate)
This salt (Sodium ethanoate) which is formed by this reaction has many industrial applications such as in the textile industry to carry out neutralization of sulfuric acid (used to clean fibers), in the food industry as a preservative and a mild seasoning and flavoring agent, and as a buffering agent along with Ethanoic acid (commonly known asthe acetate buffer) to keep the pH of a medium constant.
Reaction with Carbonates:
When Ethanoic acid is reacted with carbonates or hydrogen derivatives of carbonates (hydrogen carbonates, also commonly known as the bicarbonates), it leads to the formation of salt, and carbon dioxide and water as by-products.
Examples in which Ethanoic acid is reacted with sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate are given below:
2CH3COOH + Na2CO3 → 2CH3COONa + CO2 + H2O
(Ethanoic Acid) (Sodium (Sodium (carbon (water carbonate) ethanoate) dioxide)
CH3COOH + NaHCO3 → CH3COONa + CO2 + H2O
(Ethanoic Acid) (Sodium (Sodium (carbon (water) bicarbonate) ethanoate) dioxide)
Formation of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives:
Although a weak carboxylic acid, Ethanoic acid reacts with a number of chemicals to form certain acid derivatives, characterized as a separate class of organic chemicals named carboxylic acid derivatives.
These include acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, esters and amides.
Acid Chlorides:
When ethanoic acid reacts with thionyl chloride (SOCl2), it leads to the formation of acetyl chloride.
This reaction can be elucidated as follows:
CH3COOH + SOCl2 → CH3COCl +HCl + SO2
(Ethanoic Acid) (Thionyl (Acetyl (Hydrochloric (Sulfur Chloride) Chloride) Acid) Dioxide)
Acid Anhydride:
When Ethanoic Acid reacts with an acid chloride in the presence of a base, it leads to the formation of acetic anhydride.
This reaction can be elucidated as follows:
CH3COOH + CH3COCl → (CH3CO)2O + HCl
(Ethanoic Acid) (Acetyl (Acetic (Hydrochloric Chloride) Anhydride) Acid)
Esters:
This reaction has already been described under the Esterification reaction.
Amides:
When Ethanoic acid reacts with methylamine in the presence of DCC (Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide), it leads to the formation of dimethylamine.
The reaction can be elucidated as follows:
CH3COOH + NH2CH3 → CH3CONHCH3 + H2O
(Ethanoic Acid) (Methyl (N-methyl (Water) Imine) Acetamide)
METHODS OF PREPARATION OF ETHANOIC ACID:
The most common method of preparation of Ethanoic acid is the carbonylation of methanol.
In this reaction, methanol is reacted with carbon monoxide in the presence of metal carbonyl as a catalyst which results in the formation of the Ethanoic acid.
REACTIONS OF ETHANOIC ACID:
Organic chemistry
Ethanoic acid undergoes the typical chemical reactions of a carboxylic acid.
Upon treatment with a standard base, it converts to metal acetate and water.
With strong bases (e.g., organolithium reagents), it can be doubly deprotonated to give LiCH2COOLi.
Reduction of Ethanoic acid gives ethanol.
The OH group is the main site of reaction, as illustrated by the conversion of Ethanoic acid to acetyl chloride.
Other substitution derivatives include acetic anhydride; this anhydride is produced by loss of water from two molecules of Ethanoic acid.
Esters of Ethanoic acid can likewise be formed via Fischer esterification, and amides can be formed.
When heated above 440 °C (824 °F), Ethanoic acid decomposes to produce carbon dioxide and methane, or to produce ketene and water:
CH3COOH → CH4 + CO2
CH3COOH → CH2=C=O + H2O
Reactions with inorganic compounds
Ethanoic acid is mildly corrosive to metals including iron, magnesium, and zinc, forming hydrogen gas and salts called acetates:
Mg + 2 CH3COOH → (CH3COO)2Mg + H2
Because aluminium forms a passivating acid-resistant film of aluminium oxide, aluminium tanks are used to transport Ethanoic acid.
Containers lined with glass, stainless steel or polyethylene are also used for this purpose.
Metal acetates can also be prepared from Ethanoic acid and an appropriate base, as in the popular "baking soda + vinegar" reaction giving off sodium acetate:
NaHCO3 + CH3COOH → CH3COONa + CO2 + H2O
A colour reaction for salts of Ethanoic acid is iron(III) chloride solution, which results in a deeply red colour that disappears after acidification.
A more sensitive test uses lanthanum nitrate with iodine and ammonia to give a blue solution.
Acetates when heated with arsenic trioxide form cacodyl oxide, which can be detected by its malodorous vapours.
STRUCTURE OF ETHANOIC ACID:
The second most basic carboxylic acid is ethanol.
The following is ethanoic acid’s structure:
The formula for ethanoic acid is CH3.
The structural formula for ethanoic acid will be the same as the chemical formula.
The structure comprises a methyl (-CH3) group linked to a carboxylic acid substituent group (-COOH).
Ethanoic acid is sp2 hybridized.
Ethanoic acid often appears as a dimer in liquid and gaseous states due to molecular bonds involving hydrogen atoms.
At temperatures of 120°C°, dimers are detected in their vapor form.
When dimers are found in the liquid form, they can be identified in a dilute solution.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF ETHANOIC ACID:
Some of the most prominent physical properties of ethanoic acid are as follows:
Ethanoic acid has a sour taste and a distinct pungent vinegar smell.
Ethanoic acid is a clear, translucent liquid.
Ethanoic acid reaches a boiling point of 391 degrees Kelvin.
The liquid viscosity of Ethanoic acid is 1.049 g/cm3.
Ethanoic acid can be combined with water, ethanol, or ether in any proportion.
Ethanoic acid disperses in liquid as a result of heat generation and volume reduction.
Ethanoic acid comprises sulfate, salt, and several other chemicals.
Ethanoic acid has a high boiling point of 118°C and a melting temperature of 16°C.
A single hydrogen bond source and two hydrogen bond receiver atoms are found in Ethanoic acid.
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ETHANOIC ACID:
The following are some of the most notable chemical features of ethanoic acid:
*Esterification Reaction
Whenever a carboxylic acid combines with any ethanol, a new family of chemicals known as esters is formed.
The reaction is the process that results in the creation of esters.
The following is an example of how Ethanoic Acid (a carboxylic acid) combines with Ethanol (alcohol) to generate an ester:
CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH → CH3COOCH2CH3
This reaction gives rise to a new family of chemical molecules known as esters, which have a distinct sweet odor and can be readily detected.
Esters are extensively employed as artificial flavor enhancers in the food sector and as perfumery ingredients.
Apart from that, one of the most common uses of esters is in soaps.
*Saponification Reaction
The preparation of soaps is referred to as the saponification reaction.
This reaction often takes place with esters of greater molar mass.
This reaction is best described in general terms as follows:
RCOOR’ + NaOH → RCOO–Na+ + R’OH
The end product formed is soap, along with the release of alcohol.
Because of the carboxyl functional group, ethanoic acid sheds one hydrogen atom.
This results in a significant dissociation of the molecule, as seen by the reaction:
CH3COOH ⇌ CH3COO⁻ + H⁺
The acidic nature of ethanol is caused by the proton discharge indicated in the equilibrium mechanism above.
The pH of ethanoic acid is 3, indicating that it is a weak acid which does not completely dissolve in water.
REACTIONS OF ETHANOIC ACID:
The following are some of the most common ethanoic acid reactions:
Ethanoic acid is present in nearly all carboxylic acid interactions.
The equations reveal that when heated above 440°C, ethanoic acid disintegrates to generate either water and ethanone or methane and carbon dioxide.
CH3COOH + Heat → CO2 + CH4
CH3COOH + Heat → H2C=C=O + H2O
*Reaction with a base:
Ethanoic acid is a weak acid with a formula of CH3COOH. It reacts with bases to generate salt and water, like most acids.
In the example given below, ethanoic acid reacts with NaOH (a base) to generate sodium ethanoate (a salt) and H2O:
CH3COOH + NaOH → CH3COONa + H2O
Sodium ethanoate has many industrial uses, including ozonation of sulfuric acid in textile manufacturing, food preservation, a gentle flavor enhancer food industry, and a stabilizing agent along with Ethanoic acid to keep the constant pH of a substance.
Some metals, such as magnesium, ferrous, and zinc, erode when exposed to ethanoic acid.
As a consequence, acetate salts are produced.
The equation demonstrates that magnesium acetate and hydrogen are generated when magnesium reacts with ethanoic acid.
2CH3COOH + Mg → Mg(CH3COO)2 (magnesium acetate) + H2
2Ca + 2CH3COOH——-> (CH3COO)₂Ca (calcium acetate) +H2
*Reaction with alkalis:
Ethanoic acid interacts with alkalis to generate acetate salts, as shown in the equation.
CH3COOH + KOH → CH3COOK + H2O
*Reaction with Carbonates:
Acetate salts, H2O, and CO2 are the products of the interaction of ethanoic acid with carbonates or bicarbonates.
2CH3COOH + Na2CO3 (sodium carbonate) → 2CH3COONa + CO2 + H2O
CH3COOH + NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate)→CH3COOHNa + CO2 + H2O
Reactions of Ethanoic acids:
Esterification reaction:
When carboxylic acid and alcohol react, the product formed is known as an ester.
Below is an example of the formation of an ester from the reaction of ethanoic acid with absolute ethanol in the presence of an acid as a catalyst.
CH3COOH + CH3CH2OH → CH3COOCH2CH3
(Ethanoic acid) (Ethanol) (Esters)
Esters have a sweet fruity smell.
They are mainly used for making perfumes and synthetic flavouring agents.
The reaction of esters with alkalis gives carboxylic acid salt and alcohol.
This reaction is used in the making of soaps and the process is called as saponification reaction.
CH3COOC2H5 + NaOH → C2H5OH + CH3COONa
Reaction with a base:
Ethanoic acid reacts with a base to give the salt and water just like other mineral acids.
Reaction with carbonates and hydrogen carbonates:
Carbon dioxide, salt, and water are produced when ethanoic acid reacts with carbonates and hydrogen carbonates.
Sodium acetate is usually produced as a salt when ethanoic acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate as shown in the reaction below:
CH3COOH + NaHCO3 → CH3COONa + H2O + CO2
BENEFITS OF ETHANOIC ACID:
*Versatility:
Ethanoic acid is used across industries ranging from food to pharmaceuticals and plastics.
*Antimicrobial Properties:
Ethanoic acid inhibits the growth of certain bacteria and fungi, making it useful in food preservation and cleaning.
*Biodegradability:
Ethanoic acid is environmentally friendly and readily breaks down in nature.
*Affordable and Effective Solvent:
Ethanoic acid is commonly used in laboratories and industrial processes for its dissolving ability.
OTHER DERIVATIVES OF ETHANOIC ACID:
Organic or inorganic salts are produced from Ethanoic acid.
Some commercially significant derivatives:
ChloroEthanoic acid (monochloroEthanoic acid, MCA), dichloroEthanoic acid (considered a by-product), and trichloroEthanoic acid. MCA is used in the manufacture of indigo dye.
BromoEthanoic acid, which is esterified to produce the reagent ethyl bromoacetate.
TrifluoroEthanoic acid, which is a common reagent in organic synthesis.
Ethanoic acid (CH3COOH) belongs to the group of carboxylic acids.
It is slightly heavier than water with a density of 1.05 g/cm3.
After adding 5-8% of Ethanoic acid in water it becomes vinegar and is mostly used as preservatives in pickles.
Ethanoic acid is also referred to as glacial Ethanoic acid because its melting point is 16oC.
Hence, Ethanoic acid often freezes in winter when the climate is cold.
PRODUCTION OF ETHANOIC ACID:
Ethanoic acid is produced industrially both synthetically and by bacterial fermentation.
About 75% of Ethanoic acid made for use in the chemical industry is made by the carbonylation of methanol, explained below.
The biological route accounts for only about 10% of world production, but Ethanoic acid remains important for the production of vinegar because many food purity laws require vinegar used in foods to be of biological origin.
Other processes are methyl formate isomerization, conversion of syngas to Ethanoic acid, and gas phase oxidation of ethylene and ethanol.
Ethanoic acid can be purified via fractional freezing using an ice bath.
The water and other impurities will remain liquid while the Ethanoic acid will precipitate out.
As of 2003–2005, total worldwide production of virgin Ethanoic acid[b] was estimated at 5 Mt/a (million tonnes per year), approximately half of which was produced in the United States. European production was approximately 1 Mt/a and declining, while Japanese production was 0.7 Mt/a.
Another 1.5 Mt were recycled each year, bringing the total world market to 6.5 Mt/a.
Since then, the global production has increased from 10.7 Mt/a in 2010 to 17.88 Mt/a in 2023.
The two biggest producers of virgin Ethanoic acid are Celanese and BP Chemicals.
Other major producers include Millennium Chemicals, Sterling Chemicals, Samsung, Eastman, and Svensk Etanolkemi [sv].
*Methanol carbonylation
Most Ethanoic acid is produced by methanol carbonylation.
In this process, methanol and carbon monoxide react to produce Ethanoic acid according to the equation:
The process involves iodomethane as an intermediate, and occurs in three steps.
A metal carbonyl catalyst is needed for the carbonylation (step 2).
CH3OH + HI → CH3I + H2O
CH3I + CO → CH3COI
CH3COI + H2O → CH3COOH + HI
Two related processes exist for the carbonylation of methanol: the rhodium-catalyzed Monsanto process, and the iridium-catalyzed Cativa process.
The latter process is greener and more efficient and has largely supplanted the former process.
Catalytic amounts of water are used in both processes, but the Cativa process requires less, so the water-gas shift reaction is suppressed, and fewer by-products are formed.
By altering the process conditions, acetic anhydride may also be produced in plants using rhodium catalysis.
*Acetaldehyde oxidation
Prior to the commercialization of the Monsanto process, most Ethanoic acid was produced by oxidation of acetaldehyde.
This remains the second-most-important manufacturing method, although Ethanoic acid is usually not competitive with the carbonylation of methanol.
The acetaldehyde can be produced by hydration of acetylene.
This was the dominant technology in the early 1900s.
Light naphtha components are readily oxidized by oxygen or even air to give peroxides, which decompose to produce Ethanoic acid according to the chemical equation, illustrated with butane:
2 C4H10 + 5 O2 → 4 CH3CO2H + 2 H2O
Such oxidations require metal catalyst, such as the naphthenate salts of manganese, cobalt, and chromium.
The typical reaction is conducted at temperatures and pressures designed to be as hot as possible while still keeping the butane a liquid.
Typical reaction conditions are 150 °C (302 °F) and 55 atm.
Side-products may also form, including butanone, ethyl acetate, formic acid, and propionic acid.
These side-products are also commercially valuable, and the reaction conditions may be altered to produce more of them where needed.
However, the separation of Ethanoic acid from these by-products adds to the cost of the process.
Similar conditions and catalysts are used for butane oxidation, the oxygen in air to produce Ethanoic acid can oxidize acetaldehyde.
2 CH3CHO + O2 → 2 CH3CO2H
Using modern catalysts, this reaction can have an Ethanoic acid yield greater than 95%.
The major side-products are ethyl acetate, formic acid, and formaldehyde, all of which have lower boiling points than Ethanoic acid and are readily separated by distillation.
*Ethylene oxidation
Acetaldehyde may be prepared from ethylene via the Wacker process, and then oxidised as above.
In more recent times, chemical company Showa Denko, which opened an ethylene oxidation plant in Ōita, Japan, in 1997, commercialised a cheaper single-stage conversion of ethylene to Ethanoic acid.
The process is catalyzed by a palladium metal catalyst supported on a heteropoly acid such as silicotungstic acid.
A similar process uses the same metal catalyst on silicotungstic acid and silica:
C2H4 + O2 → CH3CO2H
It is thought to be competitive with methanol carbonylation for smaller plants (100–250 kt/a), depending on the local price of ethylene.
*Oxidative fermentation
For most of human history, Ethanoic acid bacteria of the genus Acetobacter have made Ethanoic acid, in the form of vinegar.
Given sufficient oxygen, these bacteria can produce vinegar from a variety of alcoholic foodstuffs.
Commonly used feeds include apple cider, wine, and fermented grain, malt, rice, or potato mashes.
The overall chemical reaction facilitated by these bacteria is:
C2H5OH + O2 → CH3COOH + H2O
A dilute alcohol solution inoculated with Acetobacter and kept in a warm, airy place will become vinegar over the course of a few months.
Industrial vinegar-making methods accelerate this process by improving the supply of oxygen to the bacteria.
The first batches of vinegar produced by fermentation probably followed errors in the winemaking process.
If must is fermented at too high a temperature, acetobacter will overwhelm the yeast naturally occurring on the grapes.
As the demand for vinegar for culinary, medical, and sanitary purposes increased, vintners quickly learned to use other organic materials to produce vinegar in the hot summer months before the grapes were ripe and ready for processing into wine.
This method was slow, however, and not always successful, as the vintners did not understand the process.
One of the first modern commercial processes was the "fast method" or "German method", first practised in Germany in 1823.
In this process, fermentation takes place in a tower packed with wood shavings or charcoal.
The alcohol-containing feed is trickled into the top of the tower, and fresh air supplied from the bottom by either natural or forced convection.
The improved air supply in this process cut the time to prepare vinegar from months to weeks.
Nowadays, most vinegar is made in submerged tank culture, first described in 1949 by Otto Hromatka and Heinrich Ebner.
In this method, alcohol is fermented to vinegar in a continuously stirred tank, and oxygen is supplied by bubbling air through the solution.
Using modern applications of this method, vinegar of 15% Ethanoic acid can be prepared in only 24 hours in batch process, even 20% in 60-hour fed-batch process.
*Anaerobic fermentation
Species of anaerobic bacteria, including members of the genus Clostridium or Acetobacterium, can convert sugars to Ethanoic acid directly without creating ethanol as an intermediate.
The overall chemical reaction conducted by these bacteria may be represented as:
C6H12O6 → 3 CH3COOH
These acetogenic bacteria produce Ethanoic acid from one-carbon compounds, including methanol, carbon monoxide, or a mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen:
2 CO2 + 4 H2 → CH3COOH + 2 H2O
This ability of Clostridium to metabolize sugars directly, or to produce Ethanoic acid from less costly inputs, suggests that these bacteria could produce
Ethanoic acid more efficiently than ethanol-oxidizers like Acetobacter.
However, Clostridium bacteria are less acid-tolerant than Acetobacter.
Even the most acid-tolerant Clostridium strains can produce vinegar in concentrations of only a few per cent, compared to Acetobacter strains that can produce vinegar in concentrations up to 20%.
At present, it remains more cost-effective to produce vinegar using Acetobacter, rather than using Clostridium and concentrating it.
As a result, although acetogenic bacteria have been known since 1940, their industrial use is confined to a few niche applications
HISTORY OF ETHANOIC ACID:
Vinegar was known early in civilization as the natural result of exposure of beer and wine to air because Ethanoic acid-producing bacteria are present globally.
The use of Ethanoic acid in alchemy extends into the third century BC, when the Greek philosopher Theophrastus described how vinegar acted on metals to produce pigments useful in art, including white lead (lead carbonate) and verdigris, a green mixture of copper salts including copper(II) acetate.
Ancient Romans boiled soured wine to produce a highly sweet syrup called sapa.
Sapa that was produced in lead pots was rich in lead acetate, a sweet substance also called sugar of lead or sugar of Saturn, which contributed to lead poisoning among the Roman aristocracy.
In the 16th-century German alchemist Andreas Libavius described the production of acetone from the dry distillation of lead acetate, ketonic decarboxylation.
The presence of water in vinegar has such a profound effect on Ethanoic acid's properties that for centuries chemists believed that glacial Ethanoic acid and the acid found in vinegar were two different substances.
French chemist Pierre Adet proved them identical.
GLASS BEAKER OF CRYSTALLISED ETHANOIC ACID:
Crystallised Ethanoic acid
In 1845 German chemist Hermann Kolbe synthesised Ethanoic acid from inorganic compounds for the first time.
This reaction sequence consisted of chlorination of carbon disulfide to carbon tetrachloride, followed by pyrolysis to tetrachloroethylene and aqueous chlorination to trichloroEthanoic acid, and concluded with electrolytic reduction to Ethanoic acid.
By 1910, most glacial Ethanoic acid was obtained from the pyroligneous liquor, a product of the distillation of wood.
The Ethanoic acid was isolated by treatment with milk of lime, and the resulting calcium acetate was then acidified with sulfuric acid to recover Ethanoic acid.
At that time, Germany was producing 10,000 tons of glacial Ethanoic acid, around 30% of which was used for the manufacture of indigo dye.
Because both methanol and carbon monoxide are commodity raw materials, methanol carbonylation long appeared to be attractive precursors to Ethanoic acid.
Henri Dreyfus at British Celanese developed a methanol carbonylation pilot plant as early as 1925.
However, a lack of practical materials that could contain the corrosive reaction mixture at the high pressures needed (200 atm or more) discouraged commercialization of these routes.
The first commercial methanol carbonylation process, which used a cobalt catalyst, was developed by German chemical company BASF in 1963.
In 1968, a rhodium-based catalyst (cis−[Rh(CO)2I2]−) was discovered that could operate efficiently at lower pressure with almost no by-products.
US chemical company Monsanto Company built the first plant using this catalyst in 1970, and rhodium-catalyzed methanol carbonylation became the dominant method of Ethanoic acid production (see Monsanto process).
In the late 1990s, BP Chemicals commercialised the Cativa catalyst ([Ir(CO)2I2]−), which is promoted by iridium for greater efficiency.
Known as the Cativa process, the iridium-catalyzed production of glacial Ethanoic acid is greener, and has largely supplanted the Monsanto process, often in the same production plants.
INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM OF ETHANOIC ACID:
Interstellar Ethanoic acid was discovered in 1996 by a team led by David Mehringer using the former Berkeley-Illinois-Maryland Association array at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory and the former Millimeter Array located at the Owens Valley Radio Observatory.
Ethanoic acid was first detected in the Sagittarius B2 North molecular cloud (also known as the Sgr B2 Large Molecule Heimat source).
Ethanoic acid has the distinction of being the first molecule discovered in the interstellar medium using solely radio interferometers; in all previous ISM molecular discoveries made in the millimetre and centimetre wavelength regimes, single dish radio telescopes were at least partly responsible for the detections.
PROPERTIES OF ETHANOIC ACID:
Acidity
The hydrogen center in the carboxyl group (−COOH) in carboxylic acids such as Ethanoic acid can separate from the molecule by ionization:
CH3COOH ⇌ CH3CO−2 + H+
Because of this release of the proton (H+), Ethanoic acid has acidic character.
Ethanoic acid is a weak monoprotic acid.
In aqueous solution, Ethanoic acid has a pKa value of 4.76.
Ethanoic acid's conjugate base is acetate (CH3COO−). A 1.0 M solution (about the concentration of domestic vinegar) has a pH of 2.4, indicating that merely 0.4% of the Ethanoic acid molecules are dissociated.
STRUCTURE OF ETHANOIC ACID:
In solid Ethanoic acid, the molecules form chains of individual molecules interconnected by hydrogen bonds.
In the vapour phase at 120 °C (248 °F), dimers can be detected.
Dimers also occur in the liquid phase in dilute solutions with non-hydrogen-bonding solvents, and to a certain extent in pure Ethanoic acid, but are disrupted by hydrogen-bonding solvents.
The dissociation enthalpy of the dimer is estimated at 65.0–66.0 kJ/mol, and the dissociation entropy at 154–157 J mol−1 K−1.
Other carboxylic acids engage in similar intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions.
*Solvent properties
Liquid Ethanoic acid is a hydrophilic (polar) protic solvent, similar to ethanol and water.
With a relative static permittivity (dielectric constant) of 6.2, Ethanoic acid dissolves not only polar compounds such as inorganic salts and sugars, but also non-polar compounds such as oils as well as polar solutes.
Ethanoic acid is miscible with polar and non-polar solvents such as water, chloroform, and hexane.
With higher alkanes (starting with octane), Ethanoic acid is not miscible at all compositions, and solubility of Ethanoic acid in alkanes declines with longer n-alkanes.
The solvent and miscibility properties of Ethanoic acid make it a useful industrial chemical, for example, as a solvent in the production of dimethyl terephthalate.
BIOCHEMISTRY OF ETHANOIC ACID:
At physiological pHs, Ethanoic acid is usually fully ionised to acetate in aqueous solution.
The acetyl group, formally derived from Ethanoic acid, is fundamental to all forms of life.
Typically, Ethanoic acid is bound to coenzyme A by acetyl-CoA synthetase enzymes, where it is central to the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
Unlike longer-chain carboxylic acids (the fatty acids), Ethanoic acid does not occur in natural triglycerides.
Most of the acetate generated in cells for use in acetyl-CoA is synthesized directly from ethanol or pyruvate.
However, the artificial triglyceride triacetin (glycerine triacetate) is a common food additive and is found in cosmetics and topical medicines; this additive is metabolized to glycerol and Ethanoic acid in the body.
Ethanoic acid is produced and excreted by Ethanoic acid bacteria, notably the genus Acetobacter and Clostridium acetobutylicum.
These bacteria are found universally in foodstuffs, water, and soil, and Ethanoic acid is produced naturally as fruits and other foods spoil.
Ethanoic acid is also a component of the vaginal lubrication of humans and other primates, where it appears to serve as a mild antibacterial agent.
CHEMICAL FORMULA OF ETHANOIC ACID:
Ethanoic acid is a member of carboxylic acid family.
Ethanoic acid is the second member of the carboxylic acid.
The chemical formula for the Ethanoic Acid is, CH3COOH
STRUCTURE OF ETHANOIC ACID:
Ethanoic Acid Structural Formula is CH3COOH, which may alternatively be written as CH3CO2H or C2H4O2 in its condensed form.
Ethanoic acid has a molecular mass of 60.05 g/mol (or molar mass).
Ethanoic acid is second member of Carboxyl Acid family after Methanoic Acid.
In Ethanoic Acid the carboxylic acid functional group (–COOH) is linked to a methyl (–CH3) group.
METHOD OF PREPARATION OF ETHANOIC ACID:
Carbonylation of methanol is the most frequent technique for obtaining Ethanoic acid.
Methanol is reacted with carbon monoxide in the presence of metal carbonyl as a catalyst to produce Ethanoic acid.
The reaction representing the same is added below,
C2H5OH (Ethanol) + 2[O] → CH3COOH (Ethanoic Acid) + H2O
Apart from this fermentation of carbohydrates also results in the formation of ethanoic acid.
NOMENCLATURE OF ETHANOIC ACID:
The trivial name "Ethanoic acid" is the most commonly used and preferred IUPAC name.
The systematic name "Ethanoic acid", a valid IUPAC name, is constructed according to the substitutive nomenclature.
The name "Ethanoic acid" derives from the Latin word for vinegar, "acetum", which is related to the word "acid" itself.
"Glacial acetic acid" is a name for water-free (anhydrous) acetic acid.
Similar to the German name "Eisessig" ("ice vinegar"), the name comes from the solid ice-like crystals that form with agitation, slightly below room temperature at 16.6 °C (61.9 °F).
Ethanoic acid can never be truly water-free in an atmosphere that contains water, so the presence of 0.1% water in glacial acetic acid lowers its melting point by 0.2 °C.
A common symbol for Ethanoic acid is AcOH (or HOAc), where Ac is the pseudoelement symbol representing the acetyl group CH3−C(=O)−; the conjugate base, acetate (CH3COO−), is thus represented as AcO−.
Acetate is the ion resulting from loss of H+ from Ethanoic acid.
The name "acetate" can also refer to a salt containing this anion, or an ester of Ethanoic acid.
(The symbol Ac for the acetyl functional group is not to be confused with the symbol Ac for the element actinium; context prevents confusion among organic chemists).
To better reflect its structure, Ethanoic acid is often written as CH3−C(O)OH, CH3−C(=O)−OH, CH3COOH, and CH3CO2H.
In the context of acid–base reactions, the abbreviation HAc is sometimes used, where Ac in this case is a symbol for acetate (rather than acetyl).
The carboxymethyl functional group derived from removing one hydrogen from the methyl group of Ethanoic acid has the chemical formula −CH2−C(=O)−OH.
MANUFACTURE OF ETHANOIC ACID:
The main route is from methanol.
Methanol and carbon monoxide, both formed via synthesis gas are reacted together in the liquid phase, with some water to keep the catalyst in solution, at moderate temperatures of about 450 K and a pressure of 30 atm.
A rhodium/iodine based catalyst system was first used.
The catalyst has recently been improved, based on iridium in place of rhodium, the Cativa process.
Yields of more than 99% ethanoic acid are obtained.
The main reason for the improvement is that much less water is needed to keep the iridium complex in solution compared with the amount needed with the rhodium complex.
Thus by reducing the consumption of energy on distillation the cost of purifying the product falls by an estimated 30%.
This means that greenhouse gas emissions are also reduced.
The two reactants, methanol and carbon monoxide are mixed with iridium(IV) chloride and hydrochloric acid (H2IrCl6) in ethanoic acid which acts as a solvent.
Iodomethane, CH3I, is also added which forms a complex ion, [Ir(CO)2I3CH3]-, which is considered to be the crucial catalytic species.
A ruthenium compound is added which acts as a promoter.
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of ETHANOIC ACID:
Molecular Formula: C₂H₄O₂
Molecular Weight: 60.05 g/mol
Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid with a pungent, vinegar-like odor.
Density: 1.049 g/cm³ at 25°C
Melting Point: 16.6°C
Boiling Point: 118.1°C
Flash Point: 39°C (closed cup)
pH: Strongly acidic, around 2.4 (in dilute solutions).
Solubility: Fully miscible with water, alcohols, and most organic solvents.
Vapor Pressure: ~11.4 mmHg at 20°C
Molecular Weight: 60.05 g/mol
XLogP3-AA: -0.2
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 2
Rotatable Bond Count: 0
Exact Mass: 60.021129366 Da
Monoisotopic Mass: 60.021129366 Da
Topological Polar Surface Area: 37.3 Ų
Heavy Atom Count: 4
Formal Charge: 0
Complexity: 31
Isotope Atom Count: 0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 1
Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes
Appearance: Colorless clear liquid (estimated)
Assay: 95.00 to 100.00
Titration: (99.5% - 100.5% with NaOH) (99.7 % with NaOH)
Heavy Metals: <10.00 ppm
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: Yes
Specific Gravity: 1.04700 to 1.05900 @ 25.00 °C
Pounds per Gallon - (estimated): 8.712 to 8.812
Refractive Index: 1.36600 to 1.37600 @ 20.00 °C
Melting Point: 16.60 to 16.70 °C @ 760.00 mm Hg
Boiling Point: 117.00 to 118.00 °C @ 760.00 mm Hg
Boiling Point: 48.00 to 49.00 °C @ 50.00 mm Hg
Vapor Pressure: 15.700000 mmHg @ 25.00 °C
Vapor Density: 2.07 (Air = 1)
Flash Point: 104.00 °F TCC (40.00 °C)
logP (o/w): -0.170
Shelf Life: 36.00 month(s) or longer if stored properly
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers,
protected from heat and light
Soluble in:
Alcohol
Water, 4.759e+005 mg/L @ 25 °C (estimated)
Water, 1.00E+06 mg/L @ 25 °C (experimental)
Similar Items: Pseudoacetic acid, methane dicarboxylic acid
Molecular Weight: 60.05 g/mol
XLogP3-AA: -0.2
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 2
Rotatable Bond Count: 0
Exact Mass: 60.021129366 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass: 60.021129366 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area: 37.3 Ų
Heavy Atom Count: 4
Formal Charge: 0
Complexity: 31
Isotope Atom Count: 0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 1
Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes
Chemical formula: CH3COOH
Molar mass: 60.052 g•mol−1
Appearance: Colourless liquid
Odor: Heavily vinegar-like
Density: 1.049 g/cm3 (liquid); 1.27 g/cm3 (solid)
Melting point: 16 to 17 °C; 61 to 62 °F; 289 to 290 K
Boiling point: 118 to 119 °C; 244 to 246 °F; 391 to 392 K
Solubility in water: Miscible
log P: -0.28
Vapor pressure: 1.54653947 kPa (20 °C); 11.6 mmHg (20 °C)
Acidity (pKa): 4.756
Conjugate base: Acetate
Magnetic susceptibility (χ): -31.54•10−6 cm3/mol
Refractive index (nD): 1.371 (VD = 18.19)
Viscosity: 1.22 mPa s; 1.22 cP
Dipole moment: 1.74 D
Thermochemistry
Heat capacity (C): 123.1 J K−1 mol−1
Std molar entropy (S⦵298): 158.0 J K−1 mol−1
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298): -483.88–483.16 kJ/mol
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298): -875.50–874.82 kJ/mol
Physical state: Liquid
Color: Colorless
Odor: Stinging
Melting point/freezing point: Melting point/range: 16.2 °C - lit.
Initial boiling point and boiling range: 117 - 118 °C - lit.
Flammability (solid, gas): No data available
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits:
Upper explosion limit: 19.9% (V),
Lower explosion limit: 4% (V)
Flash point: 39 °C - closed cup
Autoignition temperature: 463 °C
Decomposition temperature: Distillable in an undecomposed state at normal pressure.
pH: 2.5 at 50 g/L at 20 °C
Viscosity:
Kinematic viscosity: 1.17 mm2/s at 20 °C
Dynamic viscosity: 1.05 mPa•s at 25 °C
Water solubility: 602.9 g/L at 25 °C at 1.013 hPa - completely soluble
Partition coefficient (n-octanol/water): log Pow: -0.17 at 25 °C -
Bioaccumulation is not expected.
Vapor pressure: 20.79 hPa at 25 °C
Density: 1.049 g/cm3 at 25 °C - lit.
Relative vapor density: 2.07
Surface tension: 28.8 mN/m at 10.0 °C
CAS number: 64-19-7
Molecular formula: C2H4O2
Molecular weight: 60.052 g/mol
Density: 1.1 ± 0.1 g/cm3
Boiling point: 117.1 ± 3.0 °C at 760 mmHg
Melting point: 16.2 °C (lit.)
Flash point: 40.0 ± 0.0 °C
EC index number: 607-002-00-6
EC number: 200-580-7
Hill Formula: C₂H₄O₂
Chemical formula: CH₃COOH
Molar Mass: 60.05 g/mol
HS Code: 2915 21 00
Boiling point: 116 - 118 °C (1013 hPa)
Density: 1.04 g/cm3 (25 °C)
Explosion limit: 4 - 19.9% (V)
Flash point: 39 °C
Ignition temperature: 485 °C
Melting Point: 16.64 °C
pH value: 2.5 (50 g/L, H₂O, 20 °C)
Vapor pressure: 20.79 hPa (25 °C)
Viscosity kinematic: 1.17 mm2/s (20 °C)
Solubility: 602.9 g/L soluble
Boiling point: 244°F
Molecular weight: 60.1
Freezing point/melting point: 62°F
Vapor pressure: 11 mmHg
Flash point: 103°F
Specific gravity: 1.05
Ionization potential: 10.66 eV
Lower explosive limit (LEL): 4.0%
Upper explosive limit (UEL): 19.9% at 200°F
NFPA health rating: 3
NFPA fire rating: 2
NFPA reactivity rating: 0
Alternative CAS RN: -
MDL Number: MFCD00036152
Storage Temperature: +20°C
Flash point: 40 °C (104 °F; 313 K)
Autoignition temperature: 427 °C (801 °F; 700 K)
Explosive limits: 4–16%
Chemical formula: CH3COOH
Molar mass: 60.052 g·mol−1
Appearance: Colourless liquid
Odor: Heavily vinegar-like
Density: 1.049 g/cm³ (liquid); 1.27 g/cm³ (solid)
Melting point: 16 to 17 °C; 61 to 62 °F; 289 to 290 K
Boiling point: 118 to 119 °C; 244 to 246 °F; 391 to 392 K
Solubility in water: Miscible
log P: −0.28
Vapor pressure: 1.54653947 kPa (20 °C)
11.6 mmHg (20 °C)
Acidity (pKa): 4.756
Conjugate base: Acetate
Magnetic susceptibility (χ): −31.54·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol
Refractive index (nD): 1.371 (VD = 18.19)
Viscosity: 1.22 mPa s
1.22 cP
Dipole moment: 1.74 D
Thermochemistry
Heat capacity (C): 123.1 J/(K⋅mol)
Std molar entropy (S⦵298): 158.0 J/(K⋅mol)
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298): −483.88–483.16 kJ/mol
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298): −875.50–874.82 kJ/mol
Chemical formula: CH3COOH
Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass: 60.05 g/mol
Density: 1.05 g/cm3
Boiling Point: 118°C
Melting Point: 16°C
Linear Formula: CH3CO2H
CAS Number: 64-19-7
Molecular Weight: 60.05
Beilstein: 506007
MDL number: MFCD00036152
UNSPSC Code: 12352106
EC Index Number: 200-580-7
NACRES: NA.22
Physical state: liquid
Color: colorless
Odor: stinging
Melting point/freezing point: Melting point: 16.64 °C
Initial boiling point and boiling range: 117.9 °C at 1.013,25 hPa
Flammability (solid, gas): Not applicable
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits:
Upper explosion limit: 19.9 %(V),
Lower explosion limit: 4 %(V)
Flash point: 39 °C - closed cup
Autoignition temperature: 463 °C
Decomposition temperature: Distillable in an undecomposed state at normal pressure.
pH: 2.5 at 50 g/l at 20 °C
Viscosity:
Viscosity, kinematic: 1.17 mm2/s at 20 °C,
Viscosity, dynamic: 1.05 mPa.s at 25 °C
Water solubility: 602.9 g/l at 25 °C at 1.013 hPa - completely soluble
Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water:
log Pow: -0.17 at 25 °C - Bioaccumulation is not expected.
Vapor pressure: 20.79 hPa at 25 °C
Density: 1.04 g/cm3 at 25 °C
Relative density: No data available
Relative vapor density: No data available
Particle characteristics: No data available
Explosive properties: No data available
Oxidizing properties: none
Other safety information: Surface tension 28.8 mN/m at 10.0 °C
Relative vapor density: 2.07
FIRST AID MEASURES of ETHANOIC ACID:
-Description of first-aid measures:
*General advice:
First aiders need to protect themselves.
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation:
Fresh air.
Call in physician.
*In case of skin contact:
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with water/ shower.
Call a physician immediately.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact:
Rinse out with plenty of water.
Immediately call in ophthalmologist.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing:
Make victim drink water.
Do not attempt to neutralise.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed:
No data available
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of ETHANOIC ACID:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains.
Collect, bind, and pump off spills.
Observe possible material restrictions.
Take up with liquid-absorbent and neutralising material.
Dispose of properly.
Clean up affected area.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of ETHANOIC ACID:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Water
Foam
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Remove container from danger zone and cool with water.
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.
EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of ETHANOIC ACID:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Tightly fitting safety goggles
*Skin protection:
Full contact:
Material: butyl-rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0,7 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Splash contact:
Material: Latex gloves
Minimum layer thickness: 0,6 mm
Break through time: 30 min
*Body Protection:
Flame retardant antistatic protective clothing.
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: filter E-(P2)
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.
HANDLING and STORAGE of ETHANOIC ACID:
-Precautions for safe handling:
*Advice on protection against fire and explosion:
Take precautionary measures against static discharge.
*Hygiene measures:
Wash hands and face after working with substance.
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities
*Storage conditions:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Moisture sensitive.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of ETHANOIC ACID:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Incompatible materials:
No data available