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Acetic acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C2H4O2
CAS number
64-19-7
IUPAC name
acetic acid;ammonia
State
State

At room temperature, acetic acid is typically found as a liquid.

Melting point (Celsius)
16.50
Melting point (Kelvin)
289.65
Boiling point (Celsius)
118.10
Boiling point (Kelvin)
391.25
General information
Molecular weight
60.05g/mol
Molar mass
60.0520g/mol
Density
1.0490g/cm3
Appearence

Acetic acid is a clear, colorless liquid with a pungent, vinegar-like smell. It is hygroscopic and can form crystals when frozen. Acetic acid is often seen in its dilute form as vinegar, which typically contains around 5-8% acetic acid.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Acetic Acid and Ammonia

When considering the solubility of the compounds acetic acid (CH3COOH) and ammonia (NH3), it is essential to note their unique properties and behavior in water.

Acetic Acid (CH3COOH)

Acetic acid is a polar molecule, which greatly enhances its solubility in water. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Highly Soluble: Acetic acid is miscible with water in all proportions, which means it can blend seamlessly with water.
  • Interactions: The presence of the carboxyl group (-COOH) allows acetic acid to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, facilitating dissolution.
  • Concentration Impacts: At higher concentrations, the acidity level increases, potentially affecting the interaction with other solutes.

Ammonia (NH3)

Ammonia also exhibits notable solubility characteristics:

  • Very Soluble: Ammonia is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of about 35% (w/v) at room temperature.
  • Hydrogen Bonding: Like acetic acid, ammonia can form hydrogen bonds with water, significantly contributing to its high solubility.
  • pH Factor: When dissolved in water, ammonia causes the solution to be basic due to the formation of ammonium ions (NH4+) and hydroxide ions (OH-).

In summary, both acetic acid and ammonia demonstrate a remarkable capacity for solubility in water due to their polar nature and ability to engage in hydrogen bonding. This property makes them important in various chemical reactions and applications.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Acetic Acid

Acetic acid, commonly known as ethanoic acid, is a colorless liquid that has a distinctive sour taste and pungent smell, often associated with vinegar. This versatile compound is essential in various applications, both in the laboratory and everyday life.

  • Organic Solvent: Acetic acid is used as a solvent in the production of various chemical reactions and processes, making it a key player in organic synthesis.
  • Preservative: Its ability to inhibit bacterial growth is why acetic acid is frequently used as a preservative in food products.
  • pH Regulator: It is often employed to adjust acidity levels in different scenarios such as food preparation and chemical manufacturing.
  • Key Intermediate: Acetic acid is a crucial intermediate in the synthesis of various chemicals, such as acetates, which are vital in numerous industrial applications.

As a compound, acetic acid is not only important for its functional uses but also serves as a fascinating study subject for chemists exploring reaction mechanisms and organic chemistry processes. As chemist Robert M. Pirsig said, "The only Zen you find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there." In the world of acetic acid, the more we explore its properties, the more we discover its incredible potential.


Interesting Facts About Ammonia

Ammonia (NH3) is a colorless gas that has a strong, distinctive odor. It is one of the most widely used chemical substances in agriculture and industry, highlighting its importance in both economic and ecological contexts.

  • Fertilizer Production: Approximately 80% of ammonia produced is used in fertilizers to enhance plant growth due to its rich nitrogen content, making it essential for food production.
  • Refrigeration: Ammonia is also employed as a refrigerant in cooling systems due to its excellent thermal properties, contributing to energy-efficient cooling solutions.
  • Industrial Uses: Beyond fertilizers and refrigeration, ammonia plays a vital role in the production of numerous chemicals, including plastics, explosives, and textiles.
  • Environmental Impact: While ammonia is crucial for many processes, it can also have significant impacts on the environment when present in high concentrations, leading to air and water pollution.

In the words of chemist Marie Curie, "Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood." Understanding ammonia's characteristics and applications offers insight into its role in chemistry and our daily lives.

Synonyms
ammonia acetate
Ammonium acetate, for molecular biology, 98%
Ammonium-15N acetate
MFCD00013066
Ammonium acetate, 98%
Ammonium acetate, AR 98%
Ammonium acetate, GR,99.0%
HY-Y0849C
Ammonium acetate, AR, >=98%
Ammonium acetate, LR, >=96%
Ammonium acetate, BioXtra, >=98%
Ammonium acetate, for HPLC, >=99%
Ammonium acetate, 99.99% metals basis
Ammonium acetate, ACS reagent, >=97%
Ammonium acetate, reagent grade, >=98%
Ammonium acetate, anhydrous, 97+% (ACS)
Ammonium acetate, for molecular biology,98%
Ammonium acetate, p.a., ACS reagent, 98%
CS-0646220
Ammonium acetate, 99.999% trace metals basis
Ammonium acetate, SAJ first grade, >=97.0%
Ammonium acetate, >=99.99% trace metals basis
Ammonium acetate, for molecular biology, >=98%
Ammonium acetate, JIS special grade, >=97.0%
Ammonium acetate, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 97%
Q410156
Ammonium acetate, BioUltra, for molecular biology, >=99.0%
Ammonium acetate, for mass spectrometry, eluent additive for LC-MS
Ammonium acetate, puriss. p.a., ACS reagent, reag. Ph. Eur., >=98%