Organic chemistry

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IntuitionIntuition: groups matter

Ethanol has –OH; acetic acid has –COOH. These groups make their chemistry different.

Compare alcohol –OH and carboxyl –COOH.

Definition: Functional group

Ethanol

\ce{C2H5OH}

; acetic acid

\ce{CH3COOH}

Combustion:

\ce{C2H5OH + 3O2 -> 2CO2 + 3H2O}

Ionization:

\ce{CH3COOH <=> CH3COO- + H+}

Neutralization:

\ce{CH3COOH + NaOH -> CH3COONa + H2O}

Compare
Compound	Formula
Ethanol	C2H5OH
Acetic acid	CH3COOH

Example: Neutralization example

Solution

Sodium acetate and water form.

Yeast turns sugar into ethanol and carbon dioxide. With oxygen, acetic-acid bacteria oxidize ethanol to vinegar acid.

Fermentation:

\ce{C6H12O6 -> 2C2H5OH + 2CO2}

Reversible:

\ce{CH3COOH + C2H5OH <=> CH3COOC2H5 + H2O}

Acid catalysis speeds esterification; ethanol hydrogen-bonds with water. Ethyl acetate is a useful solvent.