The chemical formula for acetic acid is primarily represented as C₂H₄O₂, although it is more commonly written to show its structure as CH₃COOH or CH₃CO₂H.
Acetic acid, also known by its IUPAC name ethanoic acid or the less common name methanecarboxylic acid, is a simple carboxylic acid. Based on the provided reference, it's described as a colorless liquid characterized by a strong, distinct pungent, and sour smell.
Understanding the different ways the formula is written can be helpful:
- C₂H₄O₂: This is the molecular formula, showing the total number of atoms of each element present in one molecule (2 carbon atoms, 4 hydrogen atoms, 2 oxygen atoms).
- CH₃COOH: This is the structural formula, which provides more information about how the atoms are bonded together. It clearly shows the methyl group (CH₃) attached to the carboxyl group (COOH), which is characteristic of carboxylic acids.
- CH₃CO₂H: This is another way to represent the structural formula, sometimes preferred for clarity or in specific contexts, explicitly highlighting the arrangement of atoms in the carboxyl group (CO₂H).
All three formulas represent the same substance, acetic acid. The structural formulas (CH₃COOH and CH₃CO₂H) are often more useful in organic chemistry as they indicate the presence of the functional group responsible for many of acetic acid's properties.
Acetic Acid Formulas and Names
Here is a simple table summarizing the key information from the reference:
| Name | Alternative Names | Chemical Formulas | State & Smell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetic Acid | Ethanoic acid, Methanecarboxylic acid | C₂H₄O₂, CH₃COOH, CH₃CO₂H | Colorless liquid, pungent/sour smell |
Key Characteristics
- Classification: It is the second simplest carboxylic acid (after formic acid).
- Physical State: Liquid at room temperature.
- Odor: Strong, vinegary smell (vinegar is typically 4-7% acetic acid by volume).
- Uses: Used in various applications, including food preservation (as vinegar), production of plastics, pharmaceuticals, and textile manufacturing.
The chemical formula CH₃COOH is widely recognized and used to represent acetic acid in chemical reactions and structures.
