# Ethanol can be oxidised to form ethanoic acid. Compare the properties and uses of ethanol and ethanoic acid, and explain why ethanol is classified as an alcohol rather than a carboxylic acid.

> AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405) — 3.3.5 Alcohols · Compare · 5 marks

> Ethanol has the formula C₂H₅OH. Ethanoic acid has the formula CH₃COOH.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Ethanol contains the functional group –OH (hydroxyl group)
2. Ethanoic acid contains the functional group –COOH (carboxyl group)
3. Ethanoic acid is acidic / reacts with carbonates / has a lower pH than ethanol OR ethanol is neutral / does not react with carbonates
4. Ethanoic acid can be used to make esters (by reacting with an alcohol) / ethanol can be used as a fuel or solvent
5. Ethanol is an alcohol because its functional group is –OH (not –COOH) / the functional group determines which homologous series a compound belongs to

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Compare" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ethanol-can-be-oxidised-to-form-c2c296e4) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.