Question

write any 3 physical properties and 3 uses of ethanol.

Answer 1

Physical properties of Ethanol:
(i)   Pure ethanol is colorless liquid.
(ii)  It has specific smell and burning taste.
(iii) It is soluble in water

Uses of Ethanol:
(i)   Ethanol is used  in preparing alcohol
(ii)  used in motor vehicles
(iii) also used in nail paint remover/ cleaners

Answer 2

Ethanol is a colourless liquid having a pleasant smell and a burning tasteIt is a volatile liquid having a low boiling point of 78o C (351 K)It is miscible with water in all proportionsEthanol does not contain any ions, as it is a covalent compound and has no effect on litmus paperThe boiling point of alcohols are, in general, much higher than the corresponding alkanes. This is because in alcohols there is intermolecular association of a large number of molecules due to Hydrogen bonding which is absent in alkanes

Uses of Ethanol

Ethanol is used

in the manufacture of ethanal, (i.e. acetaldehyde), and ethanoic acid, (i.e. acetic acid),as the fluid in thermometers,in preserving biological specimens.in the manufacture of paints, varnishes, lacquers and medicinesin the preparation of organic compounds .

 

Ethanoic acid, CH3COOH:

Ethanoic acid is commonly known as acetic acid. Its dilute solution in water is known as vinegar, which is used for preserving food. Only 5% solution of ethanoic acid is called vinegar, which is used as a preservative in pickles and salads. It is a weak acid in nature, and turns blue litmus paper red.

Physical properties:

1. It is a colourless, pungent smelling liquid.

2. The melting point of ethanoic acid is 290 K. This is below room temperature. Thus, it freezes during winters. It looks like ice when it freezes. Therefore, it is also known as glacial acetic acid.

3. It is miscible with water in all proportions.

Uses.

For formation of ester:The reaction of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol to form an ester is known as esterification reaction.For formation of soap by saponification reaction.