Acetic Acid and Glacial Acetic Acid
Acetic acid (CH3COOH) is known as Ethanoic acid according to IUPAC nomenclature. In the context of student education in chemistry, it is one of the simplest carboxylic acids that exist. Organic compounds such as vinegar possess a distinctive sour flavour and pungent aroma that are quite recognizable as the scent and flavour of vinegar. The main ingredient of vinegar is acetic acid, which makes it a common household staple. Glacial acetic acid differs significantly from normal acetic acid due to its concentration. Glacial Acetic Acid contains less water than many other acids, which has a water concentration of 1%.
What is Acetic Acid?
Among the simplest carboxylic acids, Acetic Acid (HCOOH) ranks second after Formic Acid. Acetic acid was originally made by fermenting ethyl alcohol with acetic acid. The alcohol gets readily oxidized by oxygen when bacterial enzymes react with it, resulting in acetic acid. Direct catalytic oxidation of butane or acetaldehyde is the process used in industrial manufacturing for synthesizing acetic acid.
The O-H bond, which has a massive polarity, causes it to dissolve in water immediately. Aqueous solutions are solubilized with acetic acid because acetic acid has a higher intramolecular hydrogen bond than aqueous solutions.
In terms of chemical properties, acetic acid undergoes chemical reactions with the disruption of the O-H bond in the carboxyl group. It exhibits characteristic organic acid properties and is dissociated according to this equation as a result of its higher water solubility: CH3COOH → CH3COO- + H+
Because weak acids do not dissociate to the same degree as strong acids, electrolysis does not take place. The production of acetates is influenced by the reaction between acetic acid and highly electropositive metals, anionic salts, basic oxides, and hydroxides. Strong acids cause the ester to be formed when acetic acid reacts with alcohol. This process is called esterification. Considering these chemical reactions, the density of acetic acid is 1.04 grams per cubic meter, with a melting point of 16 degrees Celsius.
What is Glacial Acetic Acid?
'Glacial' is a pure, anhydrous liquid that forms ice-like crystals at temperatures below 16.7 degrees Celsius. It is a colourless liquid that has a hygroscopic quality and is completely colourless. Water concentration is what primarily distinguishes acetic acid from glacial acetic acid. Glacial acetic acid is highly concentrated, so it contains 99.5% pure acetic acid and only 1% water. It becomes highly corrosive when there is a higher percentage of acid in it.
With a boiling temperature of 118 degrees centigrade, glacial acetic acid has a very high boiling point. If you think about what is responsible, it is nothing more than the formation of stable hydrogen bonds between two molecules of acetic acid dimers. There is a density of 1.05 grams/ml and flammability of 39 degrees centigrade.
Its vapours are often irritating to the eyes and nose because of their high corrosiveness. It can cause lesioning of the eyelids and skin if it comes into contact with them. This acid is one of the most distinguished polar-base solvents and is used in the manufacture of the following:
Propylene Terephthalate
Aniline
Terephthalic Acid
Synthetic Camphor
When it comes to producing esters, glacial acetic acid is pretty effective. The purification of water is done in glacial acetic acid, along with the water. As long as there is water in an acetic acid solution, the synthesis will have a high effect on the equilibrium and the end result will be only a meagre amount of ester. So, glacial acetic acid is far better than normal acid.
The Difference Between Acetic Acid And Glacial Acetic Acid
One of the biggest differences between acetic acid and glacial acetic acid is the concentration level of acid. Water is typically found in large quantities in acetic acid solutions, suggesting it is a soluble product, while glacial acetic acid contains relatively little water (less than 1%). We will, however, take a closer look at some other differences between the two in the following table.
FAQs on Difference Between Acetic Acid and Glacial Acetic Acid for JEE Main 2024
1. What is the Percentage of Acetic Acid in Vinegar?
Vinegar contains 3-9% of acetic acid.
2. Is Acetic Acid a Strong Acid?
Acetic acid is considered a weak acid as it does not dissolve very much in the solution.
3. How Does Glacial Acetic Acid Form?
It forms under 16.5-degree centigrade.
4. What is the Difference Between Acetic Acid and Glacial Acetic Acid?
The key difference between both acids is - acetic acid contains a significant amount of water and whereas glacial acetic acid contains less than 1% of water.
5. Why is Glacial Acetic Acid Corrosive in Nature?
It possesses 99.5% of pure acetic acid so that is highly concentrated. This is the reason behind its corrosiveness.
6. Why is Acetic Acid called Glacial Acetic Acid?
As acetic acid reaches the melting point, it forms a glacier, which is why acetic acid is referred to as glacial acetic acid. The glacial ethanoic acid called pure ethanoic acid is solid below room temperature, at 16.7°C. Vinegar contains about 3−9% acetic acid.
7. How does Glacial Acetic Acid cause Frog Legs to Stretch?
In this case, it's a reflex action. When the frog dipped its leg in acid, it experienced a burning sensation similar to what someone would experience. Consequently, the nervous system acts so quickly that the frog is able to draw back its leg in an effort to avoid being injured.
8. Can Glacial Acetic Acid be used in Food?
The use of food in the kitchen: Vinegar is the most common form of glacial acetic acid used in cooking. Cooking, salads, pickling, and canning are most often done with this ingredient. The meat gets tender after being marinated in diluted acetic acid to kill bacteria.
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9. What is the Hazard of Glacial Acetic Acid?
Harmful exposure to the gas can cause bronchitis, pharyngitis, and dental erosion. Affected individuals may breathe in the gas. Acetic acid can cause chronic problems including erosion of dental enamel, bronchitis, eye irritation, skin darkening, and chronic respiratory inflammation as a result of chronic exposure.
10. How is Glacial Acetic Acid used in Laboratories?
The process of testing blood in clinical laboratories involves glacial acetic acid. Pickles and other vegetables are preserved and canned with glacial acetic acid diluted with water. A descaling agent can also be made from the acid.
