Question

Vinegar, used in kitchen is a dilute solution of :

• A. Oxalic Acid
• B. Citric Acid
• C. Benzoic Acid
• D. Ethanoic Acid

Hint:

Vinegar's sour taste comes from an acid. The acid in vinegar is {Acetic Acid}. The systematic chemical name for acetic acid is {Ethanoic Acid} (\(\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}\)). So, Vinegar = Dilute Ethanoic Acid solution.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: Vinegar is a common household acidic liquid used in cooking and cleaning, produced through the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. Step 1: What is Vinegar? Vinegar is essentially a dilute aqueous solution of acetic acid. It also contains other trace compounds which may include flavorings. The characteristic sour taste and pungent smell of vinegar are primarily due to acetic acid. Step 2: Chemical Name for Acetic Acid The IUPAC (systematic) name for acetic acid is Ethanoic Acid. Its chemical formula is \(\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}\). Step 3: Analyzing the options % Option (s) (1) Oxalic Acid (\((\text{COOH})_2\)): A dicarboxylic acid found in some vegetables (like rhubarb, spinach). It is toxic in high concentrations and not the main component of vinegar. % Option (t) (2) Citric Acid (\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_8\text{O}_7\)): A weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits (like lemons, oranges). It gives them their tart flavor. Not the main component of vinegar. % Option (u) (3) Benzoic Acid (\(\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COOH}\)): An aromatic carboxylic acid, sometimes used as a food preservative. Not the main component of vinegar. % Option (v) (4) Ethanoic Acid (\(\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}\)): This is the systematic name for acetic acid, which is the primary acidic component of vinegar. Commercial vinegar typically contains about 4-8% ethanoic acid by volume. Therefore, vinegar is a dilute solution of ethanoic acid (acetic acid).