# Ethanoic acid is a carboxylic acid found in vinegar. Describe the chemical properties of ethanoic acid, including how it reacts with carbonates and with alcohols.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 3.4 Carbonyls and acids · Describe · 5 marks

> Ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH) is a weak acid. It can undergo several characteristic reactions, including one that produces a sweet-smelling product used in the food industry.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Ethanoic acid is a weak acid / does not fully dissociate / partially ionises in water
2. Ethanoic acid reacts with carbonates to produce carbon dioxide (gas) / effervescence / bubbles
3. Ethanoic acid reacts with carbonates to also produce a salt (ethanoate salt) and water
4. Ethanoic acid reacts with an alcohol in an esterification reaction / to form an ester
5. Water is also produced in the reaction between ethanoic acid and an alcohol / an acid catalyst is needed / the reaction is reversible

## Key terms

- [carbonate](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carbonate)
- [carboxylic acid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carboxylic-acid)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ethanoic-acid-is-a-carboxylic-acid-db67f9d8) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.