Pure ethanoic acid often freezes during winter in cold climates due to its relatively high melting point of 290 K, which gave rise to its name “glacial acetic acid.”
Share
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Pure ethanoic acid often freezes during winter in cold climates due to its relatively high melting point of 290 K, which gave rise to its name “glacial acetic acid.”
Pure ethanoic acid is sometimes referred to as “glacial acetic acid” because it often solidifies to form crystals resembling glaciers at temperatures slightly below its melting point, which is 290 K (or about 17°C). This phenomenon occurs particularly in cold climates. The term “glacial” is used metaphorically to describe the solid appearance of the pure compound, resembling ice formations. Therefore, the name “glacial acetic acid” emphasizes the physical state of ethanoic acid at low temperatures, where it appears as a solid resembling glaciers.