Difference Between Acetone and Acetic Acid

Acetone and acetic acid are both chemical compounds that belong to the category of organic compounds. Both compounds have a number of applications in the fields of science, medicine, and industry. However, there are a number of differences between acetone and acetic acid, which make them distinct from one another. In this essay, we will look at the differences between acetone and acetic acid, including their chemical structure, properties, and uses.

What is Acetone?

Acetone is a popular organic compound used to produce plastics and other industrial materials. Acetone, also known as dimethyl ketone and propanone, can be found in various common home items. To remove paint, lacquer, or varnish, this chemical is employed. Most of the time, it is used in nail polish removers. As a colorless liquid solvent, acetone is frequently employed as a component in the production of other substances. The substance is combustible and readily evaporates. It's a typical organic solvent for diluting substances and washing things down.

Low-VOC and low-HAP goods can also be formulated using acetone. It may be found in forest fires, volcanic gases, and plants. It's a normal metabolic waste product; thus, it's also present in people. Nail polish removers often contain this as one of their main ingredients. For centuries, it has been the standard method for extracting ketones from acetic acid and acetates using destructive distillation, making it the simplest ketone available. In 1832, Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas and Justus von Liebig arrived at the right formula. The year 1839 marks the beginning of acetone's usage as a generic term.

What is Acetic Acid?

Carboxylic acid CH3COOH or C2H4O2 is the chemical formula for acetic acid.

Properties − Acetic acid is very acidic and has a molecular weight of 60.052 g/mol. In actuality, acetic acid has a pH of 2.4 in a 1M solution. Acetic acid is a colourless liquid with a pungent odour reminiscent of vinegar. This chemical is hydrophilic, making it useful as a solvent for both polar and nonpolar compounds. A methyl group is attached to a carboxyl group in the acetic acid molecule.

Formation − Both naturally occurring Acetobacter bacteria and synthetically synthesised acetic acid can be employed in the production of acetic acid by fermentation. Methanol and carbon dioxide react to produce acetic acid, and acetaldehyde can be oxidised to produce acetic acid in other ways.

Uses − Acetic acid has industrial applications, such as in the production of plastics used in beverage containers. There are glues that can be made with acetic acid. And since it accounts for around 9 percent of commercial vinegar, it's also a handy ingredient for boosting the acidity of foods.

Safety − Acetic acid is a caustic and volatile substance, thus caution is advised while working with it.

Differences: Acetone and Acetic Acid

Chemical Structure − The first major difference between acetone and acetic acid is their chemical structure. Acetone is a simple organic compound that contains three carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. It has the chemical formula C3H6O, and its molecular weight is 58.08 g/mol. The molecule of acetone is linear and symmetrical, with the oxygen atom in the middle and the carbon and hydrogen atoms arranged around it.

Acetic acid, on the other hand, is a slightly more complex organic compound that contains four carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. It has the chemical formula C2H4O2, and its molecular weight is 60.05 g/mol. The molecule of acetic acid is a carboxylic acid, with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to one of the carbon atoms.

Properties − Another difference between acetone and acetic acid is their properties. Acetone is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid with a strong and pungent odor. It is highly soluble in water and has a low boiling point of 56.5°C. Acetone is also a good solvent for a number of organic and inorganic compounds, including plastics, resins, and oils.

Acetic acid, on the other hand, is a colorless and pungent liquid with a sour taste. It is also highly soluble in water, but it has a higher boiling point of 118°C. Acetic acid is also a weak organic acid, with a pKa of 4.76. This means that it can easily donate a proton (H+) to a suitable base, making it a useful reagent in chemical reactions.

Uses − Finally, the third difference between acetone and acetic acid is their uses. Acetone is widely used as a solvent for various industrial processes, such as the production of plastics, resins, and paints. It is also used as a cleaning agent, especially for removing grease, oils, and adhesives. In medicine, acetone is used as an antiseptic, as well as a solvent for certain drugs and cosmetics.

Acetic acid, on the other hand, has a wide range of uses in the food and beverage industry. It is the main ingredient in vinegar, which is used as a condiment, preservative, and cleaning agent.

Acetic acid is also used in the production of a number of other food products, such as pickles, sauces, and marinades. In the pharmaceutical industry, acetic acid is used as a disinfectant and antiseptic, as well as a starting material for the synthesis of various drugs and medicines.

Conclusion

Acetone and acetic acid are both important chemical compounds that have a number of differences and similarities. Their differences include their chemical structure, properties, and uses.

Acetone is a simple organic compound used as a solvent, cleaning agent, and antiseptic, while acetic acid is a slightly more complex organic compound used in the food and beverage industry, as well as in the pharmaceutical industry. Both compounds have a wide range of applications and play an important role in various fields of science.

Vineet Nanda

Updated on: 30-Mar-2023

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