Question

The main constituent of vinegar is:

• A. Acetic acid
• B. Ascorbic acid
• C. Citric acid
• D. Tartaric acid

Hint:

Vinegar is dilute acetic acid and is commonly used as a food preservative and flavouring agent.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall what vinegar is. Vinegar is an aqueous solution obtained by the fermentation of alcohol. Step 2: Identify the major acid present. During fermentation: \[ \text{Ethanol} \xrightarrow{\text{oxidation}} \text{Acetic acid} \] Vinegar typically contains about \(4%-8%\) of acetic acid. Step 3: Analyze the options.

(A) Acetic acid — main constituent ✔
(B) Ascorbic acid — vitamin C
(C) Citric acid — found in citrus fruits
(D) Tartaric acid — found in grapes and tamarind
Step 4: Final conclusion. The main constituent of vinegar is acetic acid. \[ \boxed{\text{(A)}} \]