Very Short Question and Answers - Ethanol and Ethanoic Acid

The chemical formula of ethanol is C₂H₅OH, and ethanoic acid is CH₃COOH.

Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid with a pleasant odor and has a boiling point of about 78°C.

Ethanol is completely miscible in water due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between ethanol and water molecules.

Sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas are formed. The word equation is: Ethanol + Sodium → Sodium ethoxide + Hydrogen.

C₂H₅OH + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 3H₂O + Energy

Ethanol, when dehydrated with concentrated sulfuric acid, produces ethene (ethylene) gas and water.

Ethanol is used as a fuel (blended with petrol) and as an antiseptic in hand sanitizers.

Industrial ethanol is denatured by adding poisonous chemicals to prevent its consumption as a beverage.

Ethanoic acid is a colorless liquid with a strong pungent (vinegar-like) odor and has a boiling point of 118°C.

Vinegar is a dilute solution of ethanoic acid in water, usually containing about 5–8% ethanoic acid.

Ethanoic acid reacts with sodium carbonate to form sodium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide gas. The gas evolved is carbon dioxide.

CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH ⟶(conc. H₂SO₄) CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O

Ethyl ethanoate (an ester) is formed, which smells like pineapple.

Ethanol has a pleasant, fruity odor and a burning, slightly sweet taste, while ethanoic acid has a pungent, vinegar-like smell and a sour taste.

Ethanoic acid is used in the manufacture of acetate salts (like sodium acetate) and as a starting material in the production of dyes and perfumes.

When ethanoic acid reacts with a base like NaOH, it forms a salt (sodium acetate) and water. Example: CH₃COOH + NaOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O.

Ethanoic acid has a higher boiling point because its molecules form strong hydrogen-bonded dimers, which require more energy to separate.

In the food industry, ethanoic acid is mainly used as vinegar for flavoring food and as a preservative.

Ethanol does not affect litmus paper, while ethanoic acid turns blue litmus paper red because it is acidic.

Remember 'Ethanol' for alcoholic drinks (N for Nightlife) and 'Ethanoic Acid' for vinegar (A for Acetic Acid in the kitchen).