While acetic acid (CH₃COOH) has the same general empirical formula as carbohydrates, (CH₂O)n, it is not classified as a carbohydrate due to its distinct chemical structure and role. Carbohydrates typically consist of sugar units and serve as energy sources. Acetic acid, however, is a carboxylic acid and is involved in metabolic processes but is not a primary energy source like carbohydrates. The functional group and chemical properties of acetic acid differentiate it from carbohydrates, demonstrating that classification is not solely based on empirical formulas but also on the compound’s structure, function, and role in biological processes.