# Ethanol is an alcohol that can be oxidised to form ethanoic acid, a carboxylic acid. Describe the structure and properties of ethanoic acid, and explain what happens when it reacts with sodium carbonate solution.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids · Describe · 5 marks

> Ethanol is widely used as a solvent and fuel. When ethanol is oxidised, it forms ethanoic acid, which is the acid found in vinegar.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Ethanoic acid contains a carboxyl group (–COOH)
2. Ethanoic acid is a weak acid (it does not fully dissociate / ionise in water)
3. Ethanoic acid reacts with sodium carbonate to produce a salt (sodium ethanoate)
4. Carbon dioxide gas is also produced in the reaction with sodium carbonate
5. Water is also produced in the reaction with sodium carbonate

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ethanol-is-an-alcohol-that-can-3879fc61) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.