Difference Between Acetyl Chloride and Acetic Acid

acetyl chloride and acetic acid are both organic compounds, but there are significant differences in their structures and uses.

Acetyl chloride (Acetyl chloride): chemical formula C(O)Cl₂, is an acid anhydride, acetic acid and sodium chloride in acidic conditions of the esterification reaction formed. It is mainly used in organic synthesis, such as drug synthesis, pesticide manufacturing, etc.

Acetic acid (Acetic acid): The chemical formula is C₂ H₂ O₂. It is one of the simplest organic acids and is widely found in nature, such as apple vinegar. It is acidic in aqueous solution and is widely used in industrial production, food preservation and so on.

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structure and Properties of Acetyl Chloride and Acetic Acid

the molecular structures of acetyl chloride and acetic acid are different, resulting in significant differences in their chemical properties.

Structure of acetyl chloride: It is formed by combining a molecule of acetic acid with sodium chloride through esterification. Its molecular structure has an ester group and a chlorine atom, which makes it acidic, but stronger than acetic acid.

The structure of acetic acid: composed of a carboxylic acid group and a methyl group, the molecular structure is relatively simple, with weak acidity.

Comparison of nature:

• acid strength acetyl chloride is more acidic than acetic acid because the acidity of the ester group is enhanced by the strong electron-withdrawing effect of the chlorine atom.
• Stability: Acetyl chloride is easily decomposed at high temperature, while acetic acid is relatively stable.

3. Main purpose

application of acetyl chloride:

• drug synthesis in drug synthesis, acetyl chloride is used as an intermediate to prepare a variety of drugs, such as antibiotics, antiviral drugs, etc.
• Pesticide Manufacturing: Acetyl chloride is a raw material for the production of resistant amylase interference bacteria, which is used to manufacture high-efficiency biological pesticides.
• chemical synthesis in organic chemistry, acetyl chloride is used to prepare a variety of organic compounds, such as esters, ketones, etc.

application of acetic acid:

• food preservation acetic acid is used as a preservative in the food industry to extend the shelf life of food.
• industrial production: Acetic acid is the basic raw material for the manufacture of acetic acid, acetate and other products.
• Industrial Applications: In the petrochemical industry, acetic acid is used to produce materials such as polyester and plastics.

4. Comparison of chemical properties

chemical properties of acetyl chloride:

• acidic: Acetyl chloride has strong acidity and can neutralize with alkaline substances.
• reactivity the ester group and chlorine atom of acetyl chloride make it have high activity in chemical reactions, and it is easy to have substitution, addition and other reactions.
• Stability: Acetyl chloride is easily decomposed under light and high temperature to produce acetic acid and sodium chloride.

chemical properties of acetic acid:

• acidic: The acidity of acetic acid is weak, mainly in the form of dissociation.
• Stability: Acetic acid is relatively stable at room temperature, but may decompose under light and high temperature.
• Reaction characteristics: Acetic acid is relatively stable in chemical reactions, but it will release ethane gas when reacting with active metals.

5. Storage and security

storage of acetyl chloride:

• it needs to be stored in a cool, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid high temperature and high humidity environment to prevent decomposition or deliquescence.

Storage of acetic acid:

• can be stored at room temperature, but need to be moisture-proof.
• Avoid high temperature and strong light to prevent decomposition.

6. Select recommendations

in industrial production and laboratories, the choice of using acetyl chloride and acetic acid depends on the specific needs.

• Acetyl chloride is more suitable: When strong acidic conditions are required, or as an intermediate for drug synthesis, acetyl chloride should be preferred.
• Acetic acid is more suitable: In food preservation and industrial production, especially when stability and lower acidic conditions are required, acetic acid is a better choice.

Acetyl chloride and acetic acid each have their own unique properties and applications. The choice of which substance needs to be weighed according to specific actual needs.