Acetic Acid
Acetic acid, often known as Ethanoic acid, has the chemical formula CH3COOH (CH3CO2H, C2H4O2, or HC2H3O2). This is a type of carboxylic acid as well, the second most basic type in which methane is joined to the COOH group. Acetic acid’s chemical structure is as follows:
After water, acetic acid makes up the majority of vinegar and makes up 4 to 7% of the total volume of the solution in water. Acetic acid is the main component of vinegar, which is diluted in water and is most likely created through fermentation and further oxidation with ethanol. Since acetic acid in its concentrated form can damage human skin, it should be handled carefully and away from direct contact.
In order to create cellulose acetate, an essential chemical reagent called acetic acid is also a common industrial ingredient used in photographic film. This acid also aids in the manufacturing of synthetic fibers, polyvinyl acetate for wood glue, and other fibers. Acetic acid is a weak acid because, when dissolved in water, it partially dissociates into its component parts. Under normal conditions of pressure and temperature, acetic acid has a smell similar to vinegar and a molecular mass of 60.052 grams per mole. Acetic acid has a density of 1.27 grams per cubic cm in its solid form compared to 1.049 grams per cubic cm in its liquid form. It is well known that hydrogen bonding exists in the acetic acid solid state.
Acetic acid has a melting point of 16 and 17 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 118 degrees Celsius. It produces miscible mixes when it is a byproduct of water-based combinations. The acid’s pKa value is 4.756. Methanol is used in one of the procedures used to make acetic acid.
Dissociation of Acetic Acid
Acetic Acid is dissociated into acetate ion (CH3CO2−) and hydrogen ion(H+) as follows:
CH3COOH ⇔ CH3CO2− + H+
Weak Acids
Weak acids as the name suggests are the acid with less acidic characteristics i.e., less concentration of Hydrogen ions. Weak acids are much more useful than strong acids in our daily life, as strong acids are corrosive to touch. All the daily activities involved using of weak acids, from food to cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals to farming, use of weak acids can be seen extensively. In this article, we will learn about weak acids, various examples, characteristics, and their use in various daily activities. Other than that, we will also learn about the acid dissociative constant and pH of weak acids. So, let’s start our journey into the world of acetic acid.