Answer :
Difference between Ethanol and Ethanoic acid
- Ethanol has the molecular formula C2H5OH, while ethanoic acid has the molecular formula C2H4O2.
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Ethanol has an ethyl group while ethanoic acid has a methyl group.
- Ethanoic acid is a carboxylic acid; this is not the case for ethanol.
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Ethanol has a hydroxyl group while ethanoic acid has a carboxyl group.
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Ethanol in a pure state is basic, while ethanoic acid is acidic.
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Ethanoic acid has a boiling point of 118 to 119oC, while ethanol has a boiling point of 78.5
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Ethanoic acid has a vinegar smell while ethanol has a perfume type of smell.
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Ethanoic acid can be formed using Acetobacter bacteria during fermentation; this is not the case with ethanol.
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Ethanol usually is formed using yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Schizosaccharomyces during fermentation; this is not the case with ethanoic acid.
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Ethanol is used to make alcoholic beverages while ethanoic acid is used to make vinegar.
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Ethanol is also referred to as ethyl alcohol while ethanoic acid is also referred to as acetic acid.
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Ethanol does not react with metal carbonates while, ethanoic acid reacts with metal carbonates to form salt, water and carbon dioxide. For example,
$$
2CH_{3}COOH + Na_{2}CO_{3} $$
$$ \downarrow $$
$$ 2CH_{3}COONa + CO_{2} + H_{2}O $$
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Ethanol does not react with NaOH while ethanoic acid reacts with NaOH to form sodium ethanoate and water.
Ex :
Ethanol is oxidized to give ethanoic acid in presence of acidified KMnO4 while, no reaction takes place with ethanoic acid in presence of acidified KMnO4.