Acetic acid and glacial acetic acid are two kinds of acids in a laboratory. These acids are used for testing various components in a laboratory by people working in a laboratory.
Key Takeaways
- Acetic Acid is a weak acid with a vinegar-like odor, while Glacial Acetic Acid is a colorless liquid with a pungent smell.
- Acetic Acid is used in the food industry and as a solvent, while Glacial Acetic Acid produces various chemicals.
- Acetic Acid is less concentrated and has a lower freezing point, while Glacial Acetic Acid is more concentrated and has a higher freezing point.
Acetic Acid vs Glacial Acetic Acid
Acetic Acid is a mix of acetic acid and water, and Glacial Acetic Acid is an acetic acid solution in the form of glacial ice. They differ based on their concentration level. Acetic acid solution contains high volume of water, whereas Glacial Acetic Acid has lower levels of water.
The acidic acid is found in plants and organisms of animals. Acetic acid occurs in a free state but sometimes in the form of esters and other compounds.
Glacial Acetic acid is a form of Acetic acid which is concentrated. This means that it is a natural acetic acid.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Acetic Acid | Glacial Acetic Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Description | Acetic is said to be a chemical acid that contains a high concentration of water level. | Glacial acetic acid is a solution that is a concentrated form of acetic acid. |
| Water level | There is more water in acetic acid, and it is always in a form that is diluted. | Glacial acetic acid is a solution with less water and is a concentrated form. |
| Uses | Acetic acid can be used in food materials and other eatables, causing no harm. | It is not safe to use Glacial acetic acid while preparing food of its corrosive nature. |
| Formation of crystals | Acetic acid cannot freeze and form crystals. | The glacial acid freeze and converts the acetic acid concentration into crystals at a cool temperature. |
| Chemical formula | The chemical formula for Acetic acid is C2H402. | The chemical formula for glacial acetic acid is CH3COOH. |
What is Acetic Acid?
Acetic acid is also called ethanoic acid. This acid contains carboxylic acid, which is present in Carboxylic acid groups.
Acetic acid is a transparent acid that has a sour taste. This is used widely in making vinegar.
This acid is used in household work while cooking and washing clothes, and on the other hand, this acid is also used for making chemicals in industries by mixing with other chemicals.
The density of the acidic acid is about 1.04g/cm3. 16.5°C is the melting of the acetic acid. In early times, acetic acid was made through industries by oxidation of Ethanol and butane, but now it’s Industrially made by the carbonization of methanol.
What is Glacial Acetic Acid?
Glacial Acetic acid is a form of Acetic acid which is concentrated. This means that it is a natural acetic acid.
This acid can be mixed with water. This is a glacial acetic acid, which can solidify the acetic acid into crystals.
Even though we add acetic acid in goods like vinegar, etc., glacial acetic acid cannot be drunk raw due to its feature of corrosives present. Glacial acetic acid is made by pouring in a solution of stalactite of acetic acid, which is in solid form.
Main Differences Between Acetic Acid and Glacial Acetic Acid
- Acetic is a solution of acetic acid with a high concentration of water level. On the other hand, glacial acetic acid is a solution that is a concentrated form of acetic acid.
- There is more amount of water present in acetic acid. On the other hand, glacial acetic acid is a solution having less amount of water and is a concentrated form.
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ja01219a018
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02534777
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
It’s always good to learn something new.
I don’t think acetic acid should be used for anything.
Absolutely, this was a well-researched post.
Glacial acetic acid is quite fascinating.
I wouldn’t mind more information about the history of acetic acid.
I agree with you, the history of acetic acid seems interesting.
It was a great read indeed.
That’s exactly what I was thinking.
I see your point, but it’s a necessary for certain industries.
I feel like the article could have been more clear.
It’s an acquired taste, I suppose.
Can’t deny the importance of acetic acid in various applications.
I think the comparison could have been presented better.
I find the article very informative, thank you!
You might be right, it would be helpful to have more comprehensive information.
I disagree, I think the article is quite comprehensive.
I didn’t find this article particularly intriguing.
The post definitely piqued my interest.
Great post! I enjoyed reading it.
I found the topic very fascinating.
Interesting comparison, I appreciated the detailed information.
I think this article missed some crucial details.