A substance (X) be oxidised to acetic acid (CH3COOH)? Name substance (X) and write two tests to demonstrate acidic nature of acetic acid.

The substance X is ethanol (C2H5OH).


The acidic nature of acetic acid can be shown using:


(a) Litmus test – Chemicals which are acidic in nature turn blue litmus red


(b) Sodium carbonate test – Acids when treated with sodium carbonate gives effervescence due to the liberation of carbon dioxide. Acetic acid also produces CO2 in this reaction.


2CH3COOH + Na2CO3 2CH3COONa + CO2 + H2O


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