Question

A substance (X) be oxidised to acetic acid (CH₃COOH)? Name substance (X) and write two tests to demonstrate acidic nature of acetic acid.

Answer 1

The substance X is ethanol (C₂H₅OH). 

The acidic nature of acetic acid can be shown using: 

(a) Litmus test – Chemicals which are acidic in nature turn blue litmus red 

(b) Sodium carbonate test – Acids when treated with sodium carbonate gives effervescence due to the liberation of carbon dioxide. Acetic acid also produces CO₂ in this reaction. 

2CH₃COOH + Na₂CO₃→ 2CH₃COONa + CO₂↑ + H₂O