How can ethanol and ethanoic acid be differentiated on the basis of their physical and chemical properties?

Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and ethanoic acid (acetic acid) can be differentiated based on their physical and chemical properties. Here are some key distinctions:

1. Odor:

. Ethanol: Ethanol has a characteristic, pleasant, and slightly sweet odor.
. Ethanoic Acid: Ethanoic acid has a pungent, vinegar-like odor.

2. State at Room Temperature:
. Ethanol: Ethanol is a colorless liquid at room temperature.
. Ethanoic Acid: Ethanoic acid is also a colorless liquid at room temperature.

3. Taste:

. Ethanol: Ethanol has a slightly sweet taste.
. Ethanoic Acid: Ethanoic acid has a sour, vinegary taste.

4. pH:
. Ethanol: Ethanol is neutral and has a pH close to 7.
. Ethanoic Acid: Ethanoic acid is acidic and has a pH below 7.

5. Solubility:
. Ethanol: Ethanol is soluble in water.
. Ethanoic Acid: Ethanoic acid is highly soluble in water.

6. Reaction with Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda):
. Ethanol: Ethanol does not react with sodium bicarbonate.
. Ethanoic Acid: Ethanoic acid reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide gas, which can be observed as effervescence.

7. Reaction with Litmus Paper:
. Ethanol: Ethanol does not change the color of blue or red litmus paper.
. Ethanoic Acid: Ethanoic acid turns blue litmus paper red, indicating its acidic nature.

8. Oxidation:
. Ethanol: Ethanol can be oxidized to form ethanoic acid. This oxidation is often used in the production of vinegar.
. Ethanoic Acid: Ethanoic acid is already an oxidized form of ethanol.

9. Boiling Point:
. Ethanol: Ethanol has a lower boiling point (approximately 78.37°C or 173.07°F).
. Ethanoic Acid: Ethanoic acid has a higher boiling point (approximately 118.1°C or 244.6°F).

Flammability:
. Ethanol: Ethanol is highly flammable and is commonly used as a fuel.
. Ethanoic Acid: Ethanoic acid is not typically used as a fuel and does not exhibit the same flammability as ethanol.
These differences in physical and chemical properties allow for the easy differentiation of ethanol and ethanoic acid in laboratory settings and in various practical applications.