Difference between Ethylene and Acetic Acid

Ethylene and acetic acid are two very important compounds in the chemical industry and are often used in different production processes. Because of their significant differences in chemical and physical properties and uses, distinguishing them is a basic skill that chemical practitioners and students must master. This article will analyze the difference between ethylene and acetic acid in detail, and discuss their application in actual production.

Definition and Properties of 1. Ethylene

ethylene (C₂ Halready) is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic gas. The molecular structure is connected by two carbon atoms through a double bond, with two hydrogen atoms on each side. Ethylene is a gas at room temperature and becomes a liquid at higher temperatures. It has good flammability and produces carbon dioxide and water when burned. Ethylene is an important raw material in chemical production and is widely used in the manufacture of plastics, rubber, synthetic fibers and other materials.

Definition and Properties of 2. Acetic Acid

acetic acid (CO₂ H) is a colorless, transparent liquid with a sour taste. The molecular structure of acetic acid consists of an ethyl group and a carboxyl group. Acetic acid is liquid at room temperature, with strong acidity, can react with a variety of substances. Acetic acid is mainly used in the manufacture of acetic acid, ethanol and other products in chemical production, and is one of the important chemical raw materials.

3. the difference between ethylene and acetic acid

1. molecular structure and chemical properties

The molecular structures of ethylene and acetic acid are different, the carbon atoms in the ethylene molecule are connected by double bonds, while the carbon atoms in the acetic acid molecule are connected by single bonds. Ethylene is a flammable gas, while acetic acid is an acidic liquid. From the chemical properties, ethylene has good flammability, and acetic acid is acidic, can be neutralized with alkaline substances.

2. Physical Properties and Uses

Ethylene is a gas at room temperature, with low density and colorless luster. It is widely used in plastic, rubber manufacturing and other fields. Acetic acid is liquid at room temperature and has high acidity, which can be used to manufacture products such as acetic acid and ethanol. In practical applications, the use of ethylene and acetic acid is obviously different. Ethylene is mainly used as a raw material in the form of gas, while acetic acid is used as a raw material for acidic liquids.

3. Storage and Transportation

Due to the different physical properties of ethylene and acetic acid, their storage and transportation methods are also different. As a gas, ethylene needs to be stored in a specific low temperature and low pressure environment to prevent leakage or oxidation reaction during transportation. As a liquid, acetic acid needs to be stored at room temperature to avoid acid enhancement caused by high temperature.

How 4. distinguish between ethylene and acetic acid

1. Appearance identification

Ethylene is a colorless gas state at room temperature, while acetic acid is a colorless liquid state. Therefore, ethylene and ethylacetic acid can be preliminarily distinguished by observing the state of the substance.

2. overflow experiment

Ethylene and acetic acid were poured into the same container, respectively, and the overflow state was observed. Ethylene floats on the surface of acetic acid due to its lower density, while acetic acid as a liquid completely covers ethylene, showing different spillage phenomena.

3. acid-base reaction experiment

Ethylene and acetic acid are separately mixed with an alkaline substance such as sodium hydroxide solution, and the reaction phenomenon is observed. Ethylene will not react with alkaline substances, while acetic acid will neutralize with alkaline substances, resulting in observable phenomena.

5. Summary

ethylene and acetic acid are two very important substances in the chemical industry. Although they have similarities in some properties, their molecular structures, physical properties and uses are significantly different. It is of great significance for chemical production to master the difference between ethylene and acetic acid. Through the detailed analysis of this article, we can understand the difference between ethylene and acetic acid more clearly, and apply this knowledge flexibly in practical work.

By understanding the difference between ethylene and acetic acid, we can better choose the right raw materials, optimize the production process, improve production efficiency, and ensure the safety and environmental protection of the production process.