Display Formula of Ethanoic Acid

Chemical Formula:

\[ CH₃CO₂H \quad \text{or} \quad CH₃-C(=O)-OH \]

Chemical Formula: Description:

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1. What is Ethanoic Acid?

Ethanoic acid, commonly known as acetic acid, is a simple carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH₃COOH. It is the main component of vinegar and has widespread industrial and biological importance.

2. Chemical Structure and Formula

The chemical structure of ethanoic acid can be represented in several ways:

\[ \text{Molecular Formula: } C₂H₄O₂ \] \[ \text{Structural Formula: } CH₃COOH \] \[ \text{Display Formula: } CH₃-C(=O)-OH \]

Structural Features:

Methyl group (CH₃-) attached to carboxylic acid functional group
Carboxyl group (-COOH) responsible for acidic properties
Polar O-H bond enables hydrogen bonding
Tetrahedral geometry around carbon atoms

3. Molecular Properties

Physical Properties: Colorless liquid with pungent odor, boiling point 118°C, melting point 16.6°C, miscible with water, ethanol, and ether.

Chemical Properties: Weak acid (pKa = 4.76), forms salts with bases, undergoes esterification reactions, can be reduced to ethanol.

4. Common Representations

Different Notations: Chemical formulas can be written in condensed form (CH₃COOH), expanded form showing all bonds, or skeletal form emphasizing the carbon framework.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between ethanoic acid and acetic acid?
A: Ethanoic acid is the IUPAC systematic name, while acetic acid is the common name. Both refer to the same compound CH₃COOH.

Q2: Why does ethanoic acid have two different carbon atoms?
A: The methyl carbon (CH₃-) is sp³ hybridized, while the carbonyl carbon (C=O) is sp² hybridized, leading to different chemical environments.

Q3: What is the significance of the carboxyl group?
A: The -COOH group is responsible for the acidic properties, hydrogen bonding capability, and reactivity in organic synthesis.

Q4: How is the structural formula different from molecular formula?
A: Molecular formula (C₂H₄O₂) shows only elemental composition, while structural formula shows how atoms are connected.

Q5: What are common uses of ethanoic acid?
A: Vinegar production, chemical synthesis, food preservative, solvent, and in the manufacture of vinyl acetate and acetic anhydride.