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Chapter 4: Problem 7

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

Short Answer

Expert verified
Ethanol has a characteristic alcoholic odor, neutral litmus result, and no reaction with carbonates, while ethanoic acid has a pungent vinegar odor, acidic litmus result, and reacts with carbonates producing CO2.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Physical Properties

Ethanol is a colorless liquid with a characteristic alcoholic odor and has a boiling point of 78.37 °C. Ethanoic acid, also colorless, has a pungent vinegar-like smell and a higher boiling point of 118.1 °C. These differences in boiling points and odors can be used to differentiate the two substances.
02

Solubility and Miscibility

Ethanol is highly soluble in water and will mix in all proportions. Ethanoic acid is also highly soluble in water but forms a viscous solution at higher concentrations due to hydrogen bonding.
03

Conduct a Litmus Test

Ethanol is neutral and does not affect litmus paper. In contrast, ethanoic acid is acidic and will turn blue litmus paper red.
04

Perform an Esterification Reaction

React ethanol and ethanoic acid with an acid catalyst (such as sulfuric acid). Ethanol will produce ethyl ethanoate with a sweet, fruity smell. Ethanoic acid will also be part of the esterification reaction resulting in the formation of ethyl ethanoate.
05

Reaction with Carbonates

Ethanol does not react with sodium carbonate (Na2CO3). Ethanoic acid reacts with sodium carbonate to produce carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium ethanoate.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

headline of the respective core concept
To differentiate ethanol and ethanoic acid, we can start by looking at their physical properties. Ethanol is a colorless liquid with a characteristic alcohol smell, while ethanoic acid also appears colorless but smells like vinegar. One can easily notice their distinct odors. Ethanol boils at 78.37 °C, whereas ethanoic acid has a higher boiling point of 118.1 °C. Both ethanol and ethanoic acid are highly soluble in water. However, when ethanoic acid dissolves in water at higher concentrations, it forms a viscous solution due to hydrogen bonding.
headline of the respective core concept
A simple yet effective way to differentiate ethanol and ethanoic acid is by conducting a litmus test. Litmus paper tests for acidity or basicity of a substance. Ethanol is neither acidic nor basic, so it will not change the color of litmus paper. Ethanoic acid, however, is acidic. When you dip blue litmus paper into ethanoic acid, it will turn red, indicating its acidic nature. This makes the litmus test a quick method to distinguish between the two.
headline of the respective core concept
Another chemical method to differentiate between ethanol and ethanoic acid is by performing an esterification reaction. When you react ethanol and ethanoic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst like sulfuric acid, they form an ester called ethyl ethanoate. This ester has a sweet, fruity smell. To carry out this reaction:
  • Mix ethanol and ethanoic acid in a test tube.
  • Add a few drops of concentrated sulfuric acid.
  • Gently heat the mixture.
    • The appearance of a fruity aroma indicates the formation of ethyl ethanoate, confirming the presence of both ethanol and ethanoic acid.
headline of the respective core concept
The reaction of these substances with carbonates can also help distinguish them. Ethanol does not react with sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), so no observable change will occur. On the other hand, ethanoic acid reacts with sodium carbonate to produce carbon dioxide gas, water, and sodium ethanoate. This reaction can be observed as follows:
  • Add sodium carbonate to a solution of each substance in separate test tubes.
  • Look for the formation of bubbles (carbon dioxide gas).
    • In the test tube with ethanoic acid, you will notice effervescence (bubbling), indicating a reaction. This is a clear way to confirm the presence of ethanoic acid.

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