why is the chemical formula of ethanoic acid CH3COOH? (1 Viewer)

[.ben]

Isn't ethanoic acid C₂H₅COOH instead of CH₃COOH?

 

[pkc]

"eth" prefix means 2 carbons in total.

C2H5COOH contains 3 carbons. Therefore it is propanoic acid.

 

[pLuvia]

Nope since the prefix eth- is 2 carbon and the general formula is C_nH_2n+1COOH n>0. Methanoic acid is n=0 which is H-COOH, then ethanoic acid is n=1 CH₃-COOH

It wouldn't be ethanoic acid if it were C₂H₅COOH because this has 3 carbon molecules in it, where this one would be propanoic acid

 

[.ben]

Oh! i get it. THank you so much.

 

[Riviet]

Therefore, since CH₃COOH contains 2 carbons, it is ethanoic acid.

 

[.ben]

Yep, thatnks, just one more question what's the point of heating during esterification?

 

[pLuvia]

Esterification is the reaction between an alkanol and alkanoic acid, and the process is carried out near the boiling point of the alcohol hence why it is heated. But also refluxing process is used to condense the alcohol vapour during the process

 

[Riviet]

Heating allows the reaction to take place by providing the activation energy that allows the process of esterification to proceed.

 

[.ben]

ok cool thanks again

 

[anarchron]

Or you could just use Conc. H2SO4 to evaporate the water due to the high exothermocity.