Question

What is the difference between ethanol and ethanoic acid based on physical and chemical properties?

Answer 1

Should you not tell us the difference?

Explanation:

You gots `H_3Cstackrel(-I)CH_2OH` versus `H_3Cstackrel(+III)C(=O)OH`...the ipso carbon in the carboxyl group has been oxidized by FOUR electrons with respect to the parent alcohol....

`H_3Cstackrel(-I)CH_2OH +H_2OrarrH_3Cstackrel(+III)C(=O)OH+4H^+ +4e^(-)`

The carboxylic acid is certainly a heavier molecule than ethanol, and exhibits a greater degree of intermolecular force by virtue of more efficient hydrogen-bonding, and this is manifested by the elevated normal boiling point of the latter molecule compared to the former. (Is it? Where are the data?) In addition, the carboxyl group is also capable of stabilizing a negative charge more effectively, and thus acetic acid acts as a weak acid in water.