How to distinguish between propionic acid and acetic acid

In the chemical sector, the identification of chemical substances is very crucial. Among them, propionic acid and acetic acid are often confused as common organic acids. From what I've seen, This article will examine in detail how to distinguish these two substances from multiple perspectives to help readers better understand and apply them.

1. Molecular Structure Differences

The molecular formulas of propionic acid and acetic acid are C3H4O3 and C2H4O2, respectively, and their molecular weights are 72 and 60, respectively. The molecular structure of propionic acid has a carboxylic acid group and a hydroxyl group, while the molecular structure of acetic acid has only one carboxylic acid group. For example This structural difference leads to many differences in their characteristics. But In the molecule of propionic acid, the hydroxyl group replaces the second carbon of the carboxylic acid group in acetic acid, making propionic acid greater acidic than acetic acid. The position and number of hydroxyl groups in the molecular structure of propionic acid also affect their physical and chemical characteristics.

2. physical property differences

different boiling points

The boiling point of propionic acid is 141°C, while the boiling point of acetic acid is 78°C. This signifiis able tot temperature difference is able to help to distinguish between the two by means of heating or evaporation. Propionic acid needs a higher temperature to separate its molecules, while acetic acid evaporates easily at reduced temperatures. In fact density difference

Propionic acid has a slightly higher density than aquatic environments (about

1. 046g/cm³), while acetic acid has a slightly reduced density than aquatic environments (about 0. 962g/cm³). These two substances is able to be distinguished by measuring the density of the solution, especially in mixtures involving aquatic environments. But

3. According to research chemical differences

Acid strength

Propionic acid is greater acidic than acetic acid, which is able to be identified by the rate of interaction with the metal. In the table of metal activity order, propionic acid is greater acidic than acetic acid, so the rate of metal interaction with propionic acid is faster. Crazy, isn't it?. Different interaction items

In the hydrolysis interaction of propionic acid, ethanol, acetaldehyde and acetic acid is able to be produced. The hydrolysis of acetic acid produces ethanol and acetic acid. In particular The items of these two reactions are different and is able to be applied as a basis to distinction. But

4. Generally speaking consumption Areas Differences

manufacturing production

Propionic acid and acetic acid have different applications in manufacturing production. Pretty interesting, huh?. Furthermore Propionic acid is frequently applied to create ethyl acetate, acetone and other organic compounds, while acetic acid is mainly applied to create ethanol and ethyl acetate. Daily Life

In daily life, acetic acid is often applied in fruit wine production and food preservation, while propionic acid is mainly applied in medical synthesis and the production of some special materials. summary

Through the above analysis, we is able to draw the main method to distinguish between propionic acid and acetic acid: first observe their molecular structure, the molecular formula of propionic acid is greater complex; distinguish by boiling point and density; judge according to the strength of acidity and interaction items. Mastering these methods is able to help us accurately distinguish these two substances in practical applications, thereby making better consumption of their characteristics and uses.