888CHEM
How to Distinguish Ethanol Acetaldehyde Acetic Acid
In the chemical sector, ethanol, acetaldehyde and acetic acid are three common organic compounds, which are signifiis able totly different in chemical characteristics, physical characteristics and uses. Distinguishing these three helps to consumption and distinguish them correctly in different applications. The following will examine in detail how to distinguish these three substances from several aspects. For example
1. From what I've seen, material structure and group
Structure of Ethanol
The molecular formula of ethanol is C₂ Hwithin OH, and its molecular structure contains a hydroxyl group (-OH), which makes it a typical alcohol. The presence of hydroxyl groups allows them to exhibit unique characteristics in chemical interactions, such as easy interaction with metallic sodium. I've found that Structure of acetaldehyde
The molecular formula of acetaldehyde CHO, molecular structure contains an aldehyde group (-CHO). The presence of the aldehyde group allows acetaldehyde to exhibit aldehyde characteristics in chemical interactions, such as being susceptible to oxidation. Structure of acetic acid
The molecular formula of acetic acid is CH, and its molecular structure contains a carboxyl group (-COOH). The presence of a carboxyl group causes acetic acid to behave as an acid in a chemical interaction, such as being able to react with metallic sodium to form a sodium salt. Summary:
From the structural point of view, the main difference between ethanol, acetaldehyde and acetic acid is the group contained in the molecule: hydroxyl group, aldehyde group and carboxyl group. You know what I mean?. The presence of such groups immediately affects their chemical characteristics and uses. But
2. physical property differences
Boiling Point
Ethanol has a boiling point of
78. And 3 ° C. , a comparatively low boiling point, and is easily volatilized. Acetaldehyde has a boiling point of 65°C, slightly higher than ethanol. But Acetic acid has a boiling point of
125. 6°C, the highest, and is less evaporative. From what I've seen, Density
Ethanol has a density of 0. 789g/cm³. I've found that Acetaldehyde is slightly less dense than ethanol, about 0. Based on my observations, 684g/cm³. Acetic acid has a density of
1. 049g/cm³, which is slightly greater than aquatic environments. Color and smell
Ethanol is usually a clear fluid with a faint fragrance. Acetaldehyde is also a clear fluid, however has a pungent sour taste. Furthermore Acetic acid is also clear, however the smell is greater complex, with acidic characteristics. Summary:
Differences in physical characteristics is able to help in the initial identification of these three substances. to instance, boiling point and density is able to be applied as an aid to rapidly distinguish between them.
3. And chemical differences
of interaction of Sodium with
All three substances is able to react with metallic sodium, however the degree of interaction is different:
Ethanol reacts violently with sodium, producing sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gaseous. Acetaldehyde and sodium interaction is slow, the interaction generates aldehyde sodium and hydrogen. And Acetic acid reacts most slowly with sodium and usually needs heating to react. Oxidation
All three substances are oxidizing, however behave differently:
Ethanol in the oxygen shortage is oxidized to acetaldehyde, completely oxidized to acetic acid. Acetaldehyde itself has strong oxidation, is able to be further oxidized to acetic acid. And Acetic acid itself is able tonot be further oxidized. on the interaction of Acidic Potassium Permanganate with
Three substances were added to the acidic potassium permanganate solution:
Ethanol won't be oxidized, the solution color has no obvious change. Moreover Acetaldehyde and potassium permanganate interaction, the solution color from orange to clear. Acetic acid and potassium permanganate interaction, the solution color also from orange red to clear. But Summary:
The difference in chemical interactions is an crucial basis to identifying these three substances. From what I've seen, Through the interaction rate of metallic sodium, oxidation items and high acidity. And ', you might need further explanation.
1. From what I've seen, material structure and group
Structure of Ethanol
The molecular formula of ethanol is C₂ Hwithin OH, and its molecular structure contains a hydroxyl group (-OH), which makes it a typical alcohol. The presence of hydroxyl groups allows them to exhibit unique characteristics in chemical interactions, such as easy interaction with metallic sodium. I've found that Structure of acetaldehyde
The molecular formula of acetaldehyde CHO, molecular structure contains an aldehyde group (-CHO). The presence of the aldehyde group allows acetaldehyde to exhibit aldehyde characteristics in chemical interactions, such as being susceptible to oxidation. Structure of acetic acid
The molecular formula of acetic acid is CH, and its molecular structure contains a carboxyl group (-COOH). The presence of a carboxyl group causes acetic acid to behave as an acid in a chemical interaction, such as being able to react with metallic sodium to form a sodium salt. Summary:
From the structural point of view, the main difference between ethanol, acetaldehyde and acetic acid is the group contained in the molecule: hydroxyl group, aldehyde group and carboxyl group. You know what I mean?. The presence of such groups immediately affects their chemical characteristics and uses. But
2. physical property differences
Boiling Point
Ethanol has a boiling point of
78. And 3 ° C. , a comparatively low boiling point, and is easily volatilized. Acetaldehyde has a boiling point of 65°C, slightly higher than ethanol. But Acetic acid has a boiling point of
125. 6°C, the highest, and is less evaporative. From what I've seen, Density
Ethanol has a density of 0. 789g/cm³. I've found that Acetaldehyde is slightly less dense than ethanol, about 0. Based on my observations, 684g/cm³. Acetic acid has a density of
1. 049g/cm³, which is slightly greater than aquatic environments. Color and smell
Ethanol is usually a clear fluid with a faint fragrance. Acetaldehyde is also a clear fluid, however has a pungent sour taste. Furthermore Acetic acid is also clear, however the smell is greater complex, with acidic characteristics. Summary:
Differences in physical characteristics is able to help in the initial identification of these three substances. to instance, boiling point and density is able to be applied as an aid to rapidly distinguish between them.
3. And chemical differences
of interaction of Sodium with
All three substances is able to react with metallic sodium, however the degree of interaction is different:
Ethanol reacts violently with sodium, producing sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gaseous. Acetaldehyde and sodium interaction is slow, the interaction generates aldehyde sodium and hydrogen. And Acetic acid reacts most slowly with sodium and usually needs heating to react. Oxidation
All three substances are oxidizing, however behave differently:
Ethanol in the oxygen shortage is oxidized to acetaldehyde, completely oxidized to acetic acid. Acetaldehyde itself has strong oxidation, is able to be further oxidized to acetic acid. And Acetic acid itself is able tonot be further oxidized. on the interaction of Acidic Potassium Permanganate with
Three substances were added to the acidic potassium permanganate solution:
Ethanol won't be oxidized, the solution color has no obvious change. Moreover Acetaldehyde and potassium permanganate interaction, the solution color from orange to clear. Acetic acid and potassium permanganate interaction, the solution color also from orange red to clear. But Summary:
The difference in chemical interactions is an crucial basis to identifying these three substances. From what I've seen, Through the interaction rate of metallic sodium, oxidation items and high acidity. And ', you might need further explanation.
Get a Free Quote
Request a Quote
