[Chemistry Class Notes] on Difference Between Acetic Acid and Glacial Acetic Acid Pdf for Exam

Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is known as Ethanoic acid according to IUPAC nomenclature. In the context of student education in chemistry, it is one of the simplest carboxylic acids that exist. Organic compounds such as vinegar possess a distinctive sour flavour and pungent aroma that are quite recognizable as the scent and flavour of vinegar. The main ingredient of vinegar is acetic acid, which makes it a common household staple. Glacial acetic acid differs significantly from normal acetic acid due to its concentration. Glacial Acetic Acid contains less water than many other acids, which has a water concentration of 1%. 

What is Acetic Acid?

Among the simplest carboxylic acids, Acetic Acid (HCOOH) ranks second after Formic Acid. Acetic acid was originally made by fermenting ethyl alcohol with acetic acid. The alcohol gets readily oxidized by oxygen when bacterial enzymes react with it, resulting in acetic acid. Direct catalytic oxidation of butane or acetaldehyde is the process used in industrial manufacturing for synthesizing acetic acid.

 

The O-H bond, which has a massive polarity, causes it to dissolve in water immediately. Aqueous solutions are solubilized with acetic acid because acetic acid has a higher intramolecular hydrogen bond than aqueous solutions.

 

In terms of chemical properties, acetic acid undergoes chemical reactions with the disruption of the O-H bond in the carboxyl group. It exhibits characteristic organic acid properties and is dissociated according to this equation as a result of its higher water solubility: CH₃COOH → CH₃COO^– + H⁺

 

Because weak acids do not dissociate to the same degree as strong acids, electrolysis does not take place. The production of acetates is influenced by the reaction between acetic acid and highly electropositive metals, anionic salts, basic oxides, and hydroxides. Strong acids cause the ester to be formed when acetic acid reacts with alcohol. This process is called esterification. Considering these chemical reactions, the density of acetic acid is 1.04 grams per cubic meter, with a melting point of 16 degrees Celsius.

What is Glacial Acetic Acid?

‘Glacial’ is a pure, anhydrous liquid that forms ice-like crystals at temperatures below 16.7 degrees Celsius. It is a colourless liquid that has a hygroscopic quality and is completely colourless. Water concentration is what primarily distinguishes acetic acid from glacial acetic acid. Glacial acetic acid is highly concentrated, so it contains 99.5% pure acetic acid and only 1% water. It becomes highly corrosive when there is a higher percentage of acid in it.  

 

With a boiling temperature of 118 degrees centigrade, glacial acetic acid has a very high boiling point. If you think about what is responsible, it is nothing more than the formation of stable hydrogen bonds between two molecules of acetic acid dimers. There is a density of 1.05 grams/ml and flammability of 39 degrees centigrade. 

 

Its vapours are often irritating to the eyes and nose because of their high corrosiveness. It can cause lesioning of the eyelids and skin if it comes into contact with them. This acid is one of the most distinguished polar-base solvents and is used in the manufacture of the following:

• Propylene Terephthalate

• Aniline

• Terephthalic Acid

• Synthetic Camphor

 

When it comes to producing esters, glacial acetic acid is pretty effective. The purification of water is done in glacial acetic acid, along with the water. As long as there is water in an acetic acid solution, the synthesis will have a high effect on the equilibrium and the end result will be only a meagre amount of ester. So, glacial acetic acid is far better than normal acid.

The Difference Between Acetic Acid And Glacial Acetic Acid

One of the biggest differences between acetic acid and glacial acetic acid is the concentration level of acid. Water is typically found in large quantities in acetic acid solutions, suggesting it is a soluble product, while glacial acetic acid contains relatively little water (less than 1%). We will, however, take a closer look at some other differences between the two in the following table.