We are creating the world's most trusted encyclopedia and knowledge base.
Once you join us and log in, you'll be able to edit this page instantly!

Acetic acid

From Citizendium, the Citizens' Compendium

Jump to: navigation, search
Image:Statusbar3.png
Main Article
Talk
Related Articles  [?]
Bibliography  [?]
External Links  [?]
 
This is a draft article, under development. These unapproved articles are subject to a disclaimer.

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.

Physical properties

Molecular weight: 60.05 mg/mol. Vapor pressure at 20°C: 12 Torr. Melting point: 16°C. Boiling point: 118°C.

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

Views
Personal tools