Question

If acetic acid is organic, why does it dissolve in water?

Answer 1

Acetic acid is definitely organic. In water, it reacts as does a weak mineral acid.

Explanation:

`H_3C-C(=O)OH(l) + H_2O(l) rightleftharpoons H_3C-C(=O)O^(-) + H_3O^+`

Of course, this an equilibrium reaction; `pK_a = 4.76?`.

`10^(-4.76) = ([H_3O^+][""^(-)OAc])/([HOAc])`