KnowledgeBoat Logo

Science

How can ethanol and ethanoic acid be differentiated on the basis of their physical and chemical properties?

Carbon

1 Like

Answer

EthanolEthanoic acid
Physical propertiesColourless liquid with characteristic pleasant odourColourless liquid with pungent odour of vinegar
Has a burning tasteHas a sour taste
Boils at 78°CBoils at 118°C
Freezes at -117°CFreezes at 16°C
Chemical propertiesNeutral in nature, hence, does not change the colour of litmus.Acidic in nature, hence, turns wet blue litmus red.
Ethanol does not react with metal carbonates / metal hydrogen carbonatesEthanoic acid reacts with metal carbonates / metal hydrogen carbonates to produce salt, carbon dioxide and water.

2CH3COOH + Na2CO3 ⟶ 2CH3COONa + H2O + CO2

CH3COOH + NaHCO3 ⟶ CH3COONa + H2O + CO2
Ethanol does not react with Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)Ethanoic acid reacts with Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form Sodium ethanoate.

CH3COOH + NaOH ⟶ CH3COONa + H2O

Answered By

1 Like


Related Questions