How can ethanol and ethanoic acid be differentiated on the basis of their physical and chemical properties?

Question

How can ethanol and ethanoic acid be differentiated on the basis of their physical and chemical properties?

Share with your friends

Talk Doctor Online in Bissoy App

Salim Ahmed Kawsar · Answer 1 · Feb 05, 2023 15:29:48

Physical Properties:

Ethanoic acid	Ethanol
1. Pungent smell	Pleasant smell
2. Melting point 290 K	M.P. is 156 K
3. Boiling point 391 K	B.P. is 351 K

Chemical Properties:

Ethanoic acid	Ethanol
1. Ethanoic acid + Sodium bicarbonate gives CO₂ gas.	No CO₂ gas produced.
2. On addition of alk. KMnO₄ the colour does not disappear.	On addition of alk. KMnO₄the colour disappear.

Salim Ahmed Kawsar · Answer 2 · Feb 05, 2023 15:29:48

Ethanol is a liquid at room temperature with a pleasant odour while ethanoic acid has vinegar-like smell. The melting point of ethanoic acid is 17°C. This is below room temperature and hence, it freezes during winters.

Ethanoic acid reacts with metal carbonates and metal hydrogencarbonates to form salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas while ethanol does not react with them.

Salim Ahmed Kawsar · Answer 3 · Feb 05, 2023 15:29:48

Difference in physical properties:

Ethanol	Ethanoic acid
This is in liquid form at room temperature. Its melting point is 156° K.	Its melting point is 290K and hence it often freezes during winter in cold climates.
Difference in chemical properties
Ethanol will not react with metallic carbonates.	Ethanoic acid reacts with carbonates and Hydrogen carbonate and forms salts, carbon dioxide and water.

How can ethanol and ethanoic acid be differentiated on the basis of their physical and chemical properties?

3 Answers