Distinguish between ethanol and ethanoic acid
Answers
People often confuse Ethanol and Ethanoic acid because of the similarity in their name. Except for this, the only common link between both is their physical state. Both are in liquid form and are colorless. Other than these two factors, both of the acids have many differences.
Ethanol is simply alcohol that is a flammable and volatile liquid, also an alternative fuel source. It is a psychoactive substance as a recreational drug and an active ingredient in alcoholic drinks. Contrarily, Ethanoic acid is the succeeding carboxylic acid to the formic acid. Globally, its demand is up to 6.5 million metric tons per year.
Their density, smell, flavor, boiling, and melting points everything differs from one another. The molecular formula of ethanol is C2H5OH, and ethanoic acid is CH3COOH.
Ethanol vs Ethanoic Acid
The difference Between Ethanol and Ethanoic Acid is their odor and taste. Ethanol smells like a pleasant or scent. Conversely, Ethanoic acid is like sharp or vinegar. The former tastes bitter and burning, whereas the latter is sour.