Difference Between Ethanol and Ethanoic Acid

Key Difference – Ethanol vs Ethanoic Acid

Although Ethanol and Ethanoic acid have similar names, a key difference can be observed between them as they are two different organic compounds containing two different functional groups.Ethanol是个酒精家族的第二简单成员whereas乙酸是第二个最简单的成员carboxylic acidgroup.They both contain only two Carbon atoms in addition to the functional group present in themolecule.When we compare their chemical properties; both of them are used as organicsolvents并具有特色的气味。相比之下，ethanoic acidis more acidic than ethanol.

什么isEthanol?

乙醇的通用名称是ethyl alcohol。它的功能组是羟基（-OH组）。反应性，酸性或碱度等所有化学性质都取决于功能组。乙醇的气味非常温和，这是一种挥发性化合物。乙醇在其工业应用中非常重要。它是一种安全的溶剂，一种用于生产药品和化妆品的燃料来源，它是酒精饮料中的主要成分。可以使用玉米，甘蔗或草等农业废物在国内生产乙醇。

什么isEthanoicacid?

The most commonly used name for Ethanoic acid is醋酸。It is a colourless liquid with a characteristic sour taste and pungent odour. It has the molecular formula of CH₃COOH. The undiluted form of the ethanoic acid is called“glacial acetic acid”and roughly about 3-9% of acid by volume is used to make vinegar. Ethanoic acid is considered as a weak acid; but, it is corrosive and able to attack the skin.

什么是个difference between Ethanol and Ethanoic acid?

Characteristics of Ethanol and Ethanoic acid:

Functional Group:

乙醇：羟基（-OH组）是乙醇中的功能组。它是酒精的特性。所有酒精的结构中至少有一个 - OH组。

乙酸：The functional group in ethanoic acid is a –COOH group. It is common for all carboxylic acids.

Properties:

乙醇：Ethanol is a monohydric alcohol with a sweet smell which boils at 78.5°C. It is the only hydrocarbon which dissolves in water in all proportions. Ethanol reacts with alkaline KMnO4 to give ethanoic acid while ethanoic acid does not react with alkaline KMnO4.

乙酸：It is a weak monoprotic acid in aqueous solution (pKa=4.76). Liquid acetic acid is a polar solvent like water. It dissolves both polar liquids such as sugars and salts, and non-polar liquids such as oils and elements like sulphur and iodine. It is readily and completely miscible with water chloroform, and hexane. Acetic acid has a strong pungent smell.

Uses:

乙醇：Ethanol is present in alcoholic drinks and also used as a biofuel for cars. It is a good solvent which can dissolve many organic solutions that are insoluble in water. Ethanol is used to manufacture many perfumes, cosmetics, and varnishes in the paint industry.

Ethanol as fuel:

CH₃CH₂OH + 3O₂→ 2CO₂+ 3H₂O

乙酸：乙酸用作产生其他化学物质的化学试剂。它用更大的数量用于产生乙酸乙烯酸盐单体。乙酸乙烯酯可以聚合以产生polyvinyl chlorideor other聚合物。In addition, acetic acid is used to produceesterswhich are used in inks, paintings and coatings. Acetic anhydride is another important chemical compound that can be synthesized by condensing two molecules of acetic acid. A small amount of ethanoic acid is used to produce household vinegar.

Acidity:

乙醇：Ethanol neither reacts withSodium bicarbonate(NaHCO₃) nor changes the colour of a blue litmus paper. Therefore, it is less acidic than ethanoic acid.

乙酸：Ethanoic acid is a weak acid which reacts with Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) releasing CO2 gas. Also, it turns blue litmus into red.

Image Courtesy:

“Ethanol-3D-balls”. (Public Domain) viaWikimedia Commons

“Acetic acid dimer 3D ball” by Jynto (talk) – Own work.（CC0）viaWikimedia Commons