Acetic acid: Difference between revisions

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'''Acetic acid''', formula CH<sub>3</sub>CO<sub>2</sub>H, is the second smallest [[carboxylic acid]] after [[formic acid]], HCO<sub>2</sub>H.
'''Acetic acid''', formula CH<sub>3</sub>CO<sub>2</sub>H, is the second smallest [[carboxylic acid]] and is larger than only [[formic acid]], HCO<sub>2</sub>H. Vinegar's tart taste and distinctive odor is due to the presence of acetic acid.  It is a common reagent in organic synthesis.
 
== Phyical properties ==
Acetic acid has a [[pKa]] value of 4.76, which makes it a fairly weak acid, as most organic acids are.  In dilute solutions, acetic acid dissociates into the acetate ion and the hydronium ion. The degree is dissociation is determined by the pH of the solution. 
Acetic acid is generally purchased as Glacial <b>acetic acid</b>
 
[[Category:CZ Live]]
[[Category:Chemistry Workgroup]]

Revision as of 11:43, 11 December 2007

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Acetic acid, formula CH3CO2H, is the second smallest carboxylic acid and is larger than only formic acid, HCO2H. Vinegar's tart taste and distinctive odor is due to the presence of acetic acid. It is a common reagent in organic synthesis.

Phyical properties

Acetic acid has a pKa value of 4.76, which makes it a fairly weak acid, as most organic acids are. In dilute solutions, acetic acid dissociates into the acetate ion and the hydronium ion. The degree is dissociation is determined by the pH of the solution. Acetic acid is generally purchased as Glacial acetic acid