Another common name for ethanoic acid is acetic acid. It belongs to the group of acids known as carboxylic acids. Carboxylic acids are characterized by the presence of the carboxyl functional group (–COOH), where a carbonyl group (C=O) is bonded to a hydroxyl group (–OH). Carboxylic acids exhibit acidic properties due to the ionization of the hydrogen ion (H+) from the hydroxyl group. Acetic acid, commonly found in vinegar, is a representative member of the carboxylic acid family and is widely used in various industrial and household applications.