Question

how can ethanol and ethanoic acid be differentiated on the basis of physical and chemical properties?​

Answer 1

• Ethanol is also referred to as ethyl alcohol
• It has the molecular formula C₂H₅OH
• It is comprised of an ethyl group (C₂H₅) and a hydroxyl group (OH).
• In a pure state, ethanol is colorless, flammable, and has a boiling point of 78.5 °C and a pH of 7.33.
• It has a strong odor and is extremely volatile.
• Ethanol is a component of alcohol that people drink but is toxic in large amounts.
• Ethanol can also be converted into different intermediate products for use in industrial applications such as the manufacturing of plastics.
• It can also be used as an additive to motor vehicle gasoline, where it becomes known as gasohol.

• Ethanoic acid is also referred to as acetic acid. Its molecular formula:  C2H4O2or CH₃COOH
• Ethanoic acid is a carboxylic acid, which as the name implies has a carboxyl group (-COOH), to which is attached a methyl group (CH3).
• It is considered an acid since the H+ proton can dissociate from the molecule. It forms an acetate ion. on losing a proton
• Ethanoic acid has a low pH of 2.4 at a 1.0 M concentration.
• The boiling point of ethanoic acid is between 118 to 119 °C, and it is also a volatile compound.
• It has a distinctive vinegar odor and is a colorless liquid.
• 5-8% acetic acid is vinegar
• Ethanol is known as glacial acetic acid as due to its low freezing point (17 degrees) it freezes during winters.
• It has a corrosive effect on metals
• Ethanoic acid can be used to form polymers such as those used to make plastic soda bottles and even glue for wood.
• It is even used as a food additive because it can adjust the acidity of substances.