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Acetic acid Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Acetic Acid: Properties, Production, and Applications

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Acetic Acid: Properties, Production, and Applications Study Guide

Nomenclature and Fundamental Properties

The systematic IUPAC nomenclature for acetic acid is ethanoic acid.

Answer: True

Explanation: Acetic acid is formally recognized and designated by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) as ethanoic acid.

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The chemical symbol 'AcOH' is commonly employed in scientific literature to denote acetic acid.

Answer: True

Explanation: In chemical notation, 'AcOH' or 'HOAc' is a conventional representation where 'Ac' signifies the acetyl group (CH3CO-).

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In aqueous solution, acetic acid functions as a strong acid, exhibiting complete dissociation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Acetic acid is classified as a weak acid in aqueous solution. It undergoes only partial dissociation, releasing a limited concentration of protons (H+) and forming acetate ions.

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Acetic acid is characterized as a strong acid, possessing a pK_a value near 1.

Answer: False

Explanation: Acetic acid is a weak acid. Its pK_a value is approximately 4.76, which is significantly higher than 1, indicating weaker acidity compared to strong acids.

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The conjugate base formed when acetic acid loses a proton is designated as ethanoate.

Answer: False

Explanation: The conjugate base of acetic acid is acetate (CH3COO-). Ethanoate is the systematic name for the acetate ion.

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What is the systematic IUPAC name for acetic acid?

Answer: Ethanoic acid

Explanation: The systematic nomenclature established by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) for acetic acid is ethanoic acid.

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In chemical notation, what does 'Ac' in symbols like 'AcOH' represent?

Answer: An acetyl group

Explanation: In chemical notation, 'AcOH' or 'HOAc' is a conventional representation where 'Ac' signifies the acetyl group (CH3CO-).

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What is the pKa value of acetic acid in aqueous solution, indicating its acidity?

Answer: 4.76

Explanation: Acetic acid is classified as a weak acid. Its pK_a value is approximately 4.76, which is significantly higher than 1, indicating weaker acidity compared to strong acids.

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Historical Context and Early Uses

The common appellation 'acetic acid' originates from the Latin term 'acetum,' signifying 'sour.'

Answer: False

Explanation: The Latin word 'acetum' directly translates to 'vinegar.' While vinegar is sour, the primary meaning of 'acetum' is 'vinegar,' not 'sour' itself, making the statement technically inaccurate.

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The distinctive sour taste and pungent aroma characteristic of vinegar are attributed to the presence of acetic acid.

Answer: True

Explanation: Acetic acid is the principal chemical component responsible for the characteristic sensory properties of vinegar, namely its sourness and pungent odor.

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Vinegar production and utilization are recent historical developments, originating only in the 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vinegar, and by extension acetic acid, has been known and utilized since antiquity, representing one of the earliest acids to be manufactured in substantial quantities.

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Ancient Romans employed vinegar as an antiseptic and inadvertently caused lead poisoning through the use of lead acetate.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical accounts indicate that ancient Romans utilized vinegar for its antiseptic properties and also inadvertently ingested lead through the consumption of lead acetate, a derivative.

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Hermann Kolbe achieved the synthesis of acetic acid from inorganic compounds in the 20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hermann Kolbe successfully synthesized acetic acid from inorganic precursors in 1845, which was in the 19th century, not the 20th.

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Which compound is the active component responsible for the characteristic taste and smell of vinegar?

Answer: Acetic acid

Explanation: Acetic acid is the principal chemical component responsible for the characteristic sensory properties of vinegar, namely its sourness and pungent odor.

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How was vinegar likely first produced in large quantities historically?

Answer: Natural exposure of alcoholic beverages to air

Explanation: Vinegar, and by extension acetic acid, has been known and utilized since antiquity, representing one of the earliest acids to be manufactured in substantial quantities, likely arising naturally from the aerobic fermentation of alcoholic beverages.

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What historical misuse of acetic acid or its derivatives is mentioned regarding the Romans?

Answer: Using lead acetate to sweeten wine, causing lead poisoning

Explanation: Historical accounts indicate that ancient Romans utilized vinegar for its antiseptic properties and also inadvertently ingested lead through the consumption of lead acetate, a derivative, often used to sweeten wine.

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Who successfully synthesized acetic acid from inorganic compounds in 1845?

Answer: Hermann Kolbe

Explanation: Hermann Kolbe successfully synthesized acetic acid from inorganic precursors in 1845, a landmark achievement in organic chemistry.

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Industrial Production Methods

The predominant global method for the industrial synthesis of acetic acid is the carbonylation of methanol.

Answer: True

Explanation: The primary industrial route for acetic acid production worldwide is the carbonylation of methanol, a process involving the reaction of methanol with carbon monoxide.

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In the early 20th century, acetic acid was frequently recovered from pyroligneous liquor, a byproduct of wood distillation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, particularly in the early 20th century, acetic acid was often obtained through the processing of pyroligneous liquor, a residue generated during the distillation of wood.

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The Cativa process, employing an iridium catalyst, represents an older method compared to the rhodium-based Monsanto process.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Cativa process, utilizing an iridium catalyst, is a more recent and generally more efficient development than the older rhodium-based Monsanto process.

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The Monsanto process for acetic acid production utilizes an iridium-based catalyst.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Monsanto process is characterized by its use of a rhodium-based catalyst, whereas the Cativa process employs an iridium-based catalyst.

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How is the majority of acetic acid produced globally?

Answer: Carbonylation of methanol

Explanation: The primary industrial route for acetic acid production worldwide is the carbonylation of methanol, a process involving the reaction of methanol with carbon monoxide.

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Which modern industrial process for acetic acid production utilizes an iridium-based catalyst?

Answer: Cativa process

Explanation: The Cativa process, developed by BP Chemicals, employs an iridium-based catalyst system for the production of acetic acid.

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What is the primary role of the Cativa process in acetic acid production?

Answer: It uses an iridium catalyst and is considered more efficient and 'greener'.

Explanation: The Cativa process, developed by BP Chemicals, employs an iridium-based catalyst system and is generally regarded as more efficient and environmentally benign ('greener') than the older Monsanto process.

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Industrial Applications and Derivatives

Cellulose acetate, a material utilized in photographic film, is a primary industrial product derived from acetic acid.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cellulose acetate, widely employed in the manufacture of photographic film and textiles, is indeed a significant industrial derivative synthesized using acetic acid and its anhydride.

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The global annual demand for acetic acid is estimated to be approximately 17.88 million metric tonnes.

Answer: True

Explanation: Market analyses indicate that the worldwide annual demand for acetic acid approximates 17.88 million metric tonnes.

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The largest single application of acetic acid in global commerce is the production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM).

Answer: True

Explanation: Approximately one-third of the world's acetic acid production is dedicated to the synthesis of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), making it the largest single industrial use.

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Acetate esters, such as ethyl acetate, are synthesized through the reaction of acetic acid with amines.

Answer: False

Explanation: Acetate esters are typically produced via the esterification reaction between acetic acid and alcohols, not amines.

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Acetic anhydride is formed by the addition of a water molecule to two acetic acid molecules.

Answer: False

Explanation: Acetic anhydride is formed through the condensation of two acetic acid molecules, involving the elimination of a water molecule, not its addition.

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Acetic anhydride is primarily utilized in the production of cellulose acetate for textiles and film.

Answer: True

Explanation: The principal industrial application of acetic anhydride is as a key reagent in the synthesis of cellulose acetate, which finds extensive use in the manufacturing of textiles and photographic film.

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Acetic acid is medically employed as a solvent for the synthesis of complex organic compounds.

Answer: False

Explanation: While acetic acid is used in various industrial syntheses, its primary medical application is not as a solvent for complex organic compound synthesis, but rather in specific diagnostic procedures and as an antiseptic.

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In cervical cancer screening, a positive result using acetic acid is indicated by the affected tissue turning white.

Answer: True

Explanation: The application of acetic acid during cervical cancer screening causes abnormal cellular areas to undergo a temporary whitening (acetowhitening), signaling a positive result.

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A 1% solution of acetic acid is considered an effective antiseptic.

Answer: True

Explanation: A dilute solution of acetic acid, specifically at a 1% concentration, demonstrates efficacy as an antiseptic agent against various microorganisms.

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In the food industry, acetic acid is identified by the code E260 and functions as an acidity regulator.

Answer: True

Explanation: Acetic acid is recognized as a food additive under the designation E260 within the European Union and serves regulatory functions related to acidity in food products.

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What is a major industrial application of acetic acid mentioned in the source material?

Answer: Production of cellulose acetate for photographic film

Explanation: Cellulose acetate, widely employed in the manufacture of photographic film and textiles, is indeed a significant industrial derivative synthesized using acetic acid and its anhydride.

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Which of the following is NOT a commercially significant derivative of acetic acid mentioned in the source material?

Answer: Potassium acetate

Explanation: While sodium acetate, copper(II) acetate, and palladium(II) acetate are mentioned as commercially significant derivatives or catalysts, potassium acetate is not explicitly highlighted in the provided source material as a major derivative.

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What is the primary use of acetic anhydride, derived from acetic acid?

Answer: Production of cellulose acetate

Explanation: The principal industrial application of acetic anhydride is as a key reagent in the synthesis of cellulose acetate, which finds extensive use in the manufacturing of textiles and photographic film.

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How is acetic acid utilized in cervical cancer screening?

Answer: As a reagent that causes abnormal cells to turn white

Explanation: The application of acetic acid during cervical cancer screening causes abnormal cellular areas to undergo a temporary whitening (acetowhitening), signaling a positive result.

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What is the effect of applying a 1% solution of acetic acid to the skin?

Answer: It acts as an effective antiseptic.

Explanation: A dilute solution of acetic acid, specifically at a 1% concentration, demonstrates efficacy as an antiseptic agent against various microorganisms.

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Which of the following is a key use of acetic acid in the textile industry?

Answer: Production of cellulose acetate fibers

Explanation: Acetic acid and its derivatives are crucial in the textile industry, primarily for the production of cellulose acetate fibers, which are used in various fabrics and materials.

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Biochemical and Biological Significance

Acetic acid was the first molecule identified in the interstellar medium using exclusively radio interferometry.

Answer: True

Explanation: Acetic acid holds the distinction of being the initial molecule detected within the interstellar medium solely through the application of radio interferometry techniques.

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The acetyl group, derived from acetic acid, plays a crucial role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism when covalently bonded to acetyl-CoA.

Answer: True

Explanation: The acetyl group, originating from acetic acid, is fundamental to cellular energy pathways, serving as a central component in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats when it forms acetyl-CoA.

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Acetic acid naturally occurs within triglycerides, analogous to longer-chain fatty acids.

Answer: False

Explanation: Unlike longer-chain fatty acids, acetic acid does not naturally occur as a component of triglycerides. However, synthetic compounds like triacetin, a triglyceride derivative, are metabolized into acetic acid.

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Acetic acid bacteria, such as those belonging to the Acetobacter genus, are responsible for the natural biosynthesis of acetic acid.

Answer: True

Explanation: Certain microorganisms, notably acetic acid bacteria like Acetobacter species, are the natural agents responsible for the production of acetic acid through metabolic processes.

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What is the biochemical significance of the acetyl group derived from acetic acid?

Answer: It plays a central role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism (as acetyl-CoA).

Explanation: The acetyl group, originating from acetic acid, is fundamental to cellular energy pathways, serving as a central component in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats when it forms acetyl-CoA.

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Safety, Hazards, and Regulatory Information

Occupational exposure to acetic acid vapors in industrial settings can result in chronic respiratory injuries.

Answer: True

Explanation: Prolonged or significant exposure to acetic acid vapors in industrial environments is documented as a potential cause of chronic respiratory ailments.

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Prolonged inhalation of acetic acid vapors at high concentrations can lead to lung damage.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sustained inhalation exposure to concentrated acetic acid vapors can cause significant irritation and potential injury to the respiratory system, including the lungs.

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Acetic acid solutions exceeding 90% concentration are classified as corrosive but not flammable.

Answer: False

Explanation: Concentrated acetic acid solutions (above 90%) are classified as both corrosive and flammable, indicated by the hazard code H226.

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The NFPA 704 rating indicates acetic acid possesses a serious health hazard (rating 3) and moderate flammability (rating 2).

Answer: True

Explanation: The NFPA 704 hazard rating for acetic acid typically includes a health hazard score of 3 (serious hazard) and a flammability score of 2 (moderate hazard).

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The oral LD50 value for acetic acid in rats is substantially high, suggesting low toxicity.

Answer: False

Explanation: The oral LD50 value for acetic acid in rats is approximately 3.31 g/kg, which indicates moderate acute toxicity, not low toxicity.

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NIOSH recommends a Short-Term (ST) exposure limit for acetic acid of 15 ppm.

Answer: True

Explanation: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established a Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL) for acetic acid at 15 ppm.

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The Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) value for acetic acid is 50 ppm, signifying concentrations above this level pose immediate risks.

Answer: True

Explanation: The IDLH concentration for acetic acid is established at 50 ppm, representing an airborne level from which an individual could escape without irreversible health effects within 30 minutes.

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What health hazard is associated with the inhalation of acetic acid vapors in industrial settings?

Answer: Chronic respiratory injuries

Explanation: Prolonged or significant exposure to acetic acid vapors in industrial environments is documented as a potential cause of chronic respiratory ailments.

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What is the NFPA 704 health hazard rating for acetic acid?

Answer: 3 (Serious hazard)

Explanation: The NFPA 704 hazard rating for acetic acid typically includes a health hazard score of 3 (serious hazard) and a flammability score of 2 (moderate hazard).

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What is the approximate oral LD50 value for acetic acid in rats?

Answer: 3.31 g/kg

Explanation: The oral LD50 value for acetic acid in rats is approximately 3.31 g/kg, which indicates moderate acute toxicity, not low toxicity.

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What is the NIOSH recommended Time-Weighted Average (TWA) exposure limit for acetic acid?

Answer: 10 ppm

Explanation: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a Time-Weighted Average (TWA) exposure limit for acetic acid of 10 ppm (25 mg/m³).

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What is the Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) value for acetic acid?

Answer: 50 ppm

Explanation: The IDLH concentration for acetic acid is established at 50 ppm, representing an airborne level from which an individual could escape without irreversible health effects within 30 minutes.

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Physical and Chemical Characteristics

Anhydrous acetic acid is referred to as 'glacial acetic acid' because it is produced in extremely cold environments.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'glacial' is applied to anhydrous acetic acid because, upon slight cooling, it crystallizes into solid, ice-like structures, reminiscent of glacial ice, not due to its production environment.

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Acetic acid molecules are capable of forming dimers interconnected by hydrogen bonds in the vapor phase.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the vapor phase, and to some extent in dilute solutions or the pure liquid state, acetic acid molecules exhibit a tendency to form dimers linked by hydrogen bonds.

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Liquid acetic acid functions as a nonpolar solvent and is immiscible with water.

Answer: False

Explanation: Liquid acetic acid is a polar protic solvent, exhibiting miscibility with water and a wide range of other polar and non-polar substances.

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Vinegar typically contains a high concentration of acetic acid, often exceeding 20% by mass.

Answer: False

Explanation: Standard vinegar typically contains at least 4% acetic acid by mass. Concentrations exceeding 20% are significantly higher than commonly found in table vinegar.

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Acetic acid reacts with bases to yield salts known as acetates and water.

Answer: True

Explanation: As a carboxylic acid, acetic acid undergoes neutralization reactions with bases, producing corresponding acetate salts and water.

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Acetic acid exhibits high corrosivity towards aluminum due to the formation of a passivating oxide layer.

Answer: False

Explanation: Aluminum is notably resistant to corrosion by acetic acid because a protective oxide layer forms on its surface, rendering it suitable for handling and transport.

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The reaction between baking soda and vinegar produces sodium acetate, water, and oxygen gas.

Answer: False

Explanation: The reaction between sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and acetic acid (vinegar) yields sodium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide gas, not oxygen.

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With a flash point of 40 °C, acetic acid is classified as a flammable liquid under standard ambient conditions.

Answer: True

Explanation: The flash point of acetic acid is 40 °C. This temperature signifies that its vapors can ignite when exposed to an ignition source at or above this threshold, classifying it as a flammable liquid.

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The autoignition temperature of acetic acid is lower than its flash point.

Answer: False

Explanation: The autoignition temperature of acetic acid (427 °C) is significantly higher than its flash point (40 °C). Autoignition requires a much higher temperature to occur spontaneously.

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Acetic acid vapor forms explosive mixtures with air within the concentration range of 4% to 16%.

Answer: True

Explanation: The flammability limits for acetic acid vapor in air are established between 4% and 16% concentration, indicating the range where ignition and explosion can occur.

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The density of solid acetic acid is less than that of liquid acetic acid.

Answer: False

Explanation: Solid acetic acid (1.27 g/cm³) is denser than liquid acetic acid (1.049 g/cm³).

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Acetic acid boils at a temperature slightly above 100 °C.

Answer: True

Explanation: Acetic acid has a boiling point of approximately 118-119 °C, which is significantly above 100 °C.

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The melting point of acetic acid is considerably below room temperature, approximately -10 °C.

Answer: False

Explanation: Acetic acid melts at 16-17 °C, which is above typical room temperature and significantly higher than -10 °C.

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Why is anhydrous acetic acid referred to as 'glacial acetic acid'?

Answer: It forms ice-like crystals when cooled slightly.

Explanation: The term 'glacial' is applied to anhydrous acetic acid because, upon slight cooling, it crystallizes into solid, ice-like structures, reminiscent of glacial ice, not due to its production environment.

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How does acetic acid function as a solvent?

Answer: As a polar, protic solvent miscible with many substances

Explanation: Liquid acetic acid is a polar protic solvent, exhibiting miscibility with water and a wide range of other polar and non-polar substances, enabling it to dissolve diverse compounds.

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What concentration of acetic acid is typically found in vinegar?

Answer: At least 4%

Explanation: Standard vinegar typically contains at least 4% acetic acid by mass. Concentrations exceeding 20% are significantly higher than commonly found in table vinegar.

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What is the flash point of acetic acid?

Answer: 40 °C

Explanation: The flash point of acetic acid is 40 °C. This temperature signifies that its vapors can ignite when exposed to an ignition source at or above this threshold, classifying it as a flammable liquid.

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What is the boiling point range for acetic acid?

Answer: 118-119 °C

Explanation: Acetic acid boils at approximately 118 to 119 °C (244 to 246 °F) at standard atmospheric pressure.

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Which of the following is a characteristic of liquid acetic acid as a solvent?

Answer: It is a polar protic solvent.

Explanation: Liquid acetic acid is a polar protic solvent, exhibiting miscibility with water and a wide range of other polar and non-polar substances, enabling it to dissolve diverse compounds.

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