Ethanol (C₂H₅OH):

1. Chemical Formula: Ethanol has the chemical formula C₂H₅OH.
2. Structure: It is a two-carbon compound, with one hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to one of the carbon atoms.
3. Physical Properties:
   • Ethanol is a colorless liquid with a distinct odor and taste.
   • It is miscible with water, which means it can mix with water in any proportion.
4. Sources:
   • Ethanol is commonly found in alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and spirits.
   • It can also be produced through fermentation of sugars by yeast.
5. Uses:
   • Ethanol is used as a recreational beverage and for industrial purposes.
   • It is an important solvent in various industries.
   • It can be used as a fuel additive (bioethanol) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Chemical Reactions:
   • Ethanol can undergo combustion to produce carbon dioxide and water.
   • It can also undergo oxidation to form ethanoic acid (acetic acid).

Ethanoic Acid (Acetic Acid, CH₃COOH):

1. Chemical Formula: Ethanoic acid has the chemical formula CH₃COOH.
2. Structure: It is a two-carbon compound with a carboxyl (-COOH) group.
3. Physical Properties:
   • Ethanoic acid is a colorless liquid with a pungent vinegar-like odor.
   • It is soluble in water.
4. Sources:
   • It is the main component of vinegar, giving it its characteristic sour taste and smell.
   • Ethanoic acid can be synthesized through various chemical processes.
5. Uses:
   • It is widely used in the food industry as a preservative and flavoring agent.
   • It is also used in the manufacture of various chemicals, plastics, and textiles.
   • In laboratories, it is used as a common acid reagent.
6. Chemical Reactions:
   • Ethanoic acid can react with bases to form salts (acetates) and water.
   • It can undergo esterification reactions with alcohols to form esters, which are used in perfumes and flavorings.

Key Points to Remember:

• Ethanol is commonly found in alcoholic beverages and is used as a solvent and fuel additive.
• Ethanoic acid is found in vinegar and is used as a food preservative and in various chemical processes.
• Both compounds contain carbon and are organic in nature.
• Ethanol can be produced through fermentation, while ethanoic acid can be synthesized chemically.
• Both compounds have important industrial applications in addition to their use in everyday life.