Exploring Ethanol, Ethanoic Acid, and Their Applications
Welcome to Chapter 4.4
Explore the chemistry of everyday carbon compounds
Atom Colors
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Sodium
Explore Carbon Compounds
🧪 Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)
• Common name: Alcohol
• Liquid at room temperature
• Active ingredient in alcoholic drinks
• Used as solvent in medicines
• Can be used as fuel additive
🧪 Ethanoic Acid (CH₃COOH)
• Common name: Acetic acid
• 5-8% solution is vinegar
• Weak acid (partially ionized)
• Freezes at 290 K (glacial acetic acid)
• Used as preservative in pickles
🧼 Soaps and Detergents
• Sodium/potassium salts of fatty acids
• Form micelles in water
• Hydrophobic tail, hydrophilic head
• Detergents work in hard water
• Used for cleaning and washing
⚠️ Safety Warning
• Pure ethanol (absolute alcohol) can be lethal even in small quantities
• Long-term alcohol consumption leads to serious health problems
• Methanol is extremely toxic - causes blindness and death
• Industrial alcohol is denatured with methanol to prevent misuse
📊 Reaction Observatory
Current Compound
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Reaction Type
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Product
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Ready to explore important carbon compounds and their reactions!