How an ethanol and ethanoic acid be differentiated on the basis of their physical and chemical properties?

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Physical Properties:

Both Ethanol and ethanoic acid are liquids at room temperature and have distinct melting and boiling points.

Chemical Properties:

Ethanoic acid produces CO₂ when reacted with carbonates or bicarbonates. Ethanol does not react with carbonates or bicarbonates.

Ethanoic acid reacts with a base (say NaOH) to give salt and water:

CH₃COOH + NaOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O

Ethanol reacts very slightly with NaOH.