How to prepare ethanoic acid and its uses

How to prepare ethanoic acid is question that is asked by many people. Ethanoic acid, also known as ethyl acetate or simply acetate, is a so-called carboxylic acid. It is similar to acetic acid but has a more fruity smell and flavor. The salt of ethanoic acid with an alkali metal such as sodium or potassium is used for example for preserving olives (salt brine). To prepare ethanoic acid, you need to follow the following tips.

Steps on how to prepare ethanoic acid

1. Dissolve an ethanoic acid salt

First, you need to dissolve an ethanoic acid salt. A solution of a salt such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) will do. To get a solution of ethanoic acid, you can directly dissolve the salt in an organic solvent such as acetic acid. Or alternatively, you can dissolve the salt in water and then add water-free acetic acid that's suitable for obtaining ethanol.

2. Acidify the solution

Next, add a solution with an acid such as sulfuric acid to the sodium ethanoate (C₂H₃NaO₂) solution. The C₂H₃NaO₂ converts into sodium hydrogen carbonate and ethanoic acid in a 1:1 ratio. For every mole of C₂H₃NaO₂ you will get one mole of ethanoic acid, but keep in mind that it is possible to make a mixture of both compounds; always use the highest possible ratio to make sure that none remains undissolved.

3. Distill the ethanoic acid

The basic solution that you have obtained needs to be distilled to separate the ethanoic acid from sodium hydrogen carbonate. If a mixture is obtained, the resulting solution must first be neutralized with an organic base such as sodium carbonate.

4. Evaporate the solven

After that, you will get a solution consisting of both ethanoic acid and water. The solution must now be distilled again to separate out both compounds. Ethanoic acid is boiling at 50 degrees Celsius, so you will find it as a gas above this temperature.

5. Mix the two compounds

Finally, you need to combine the two compounds that are left over from the previous steps. Ethanoic acid is a liquid at room temperature (around 28 degrees Celsius), so it is easy to mix together with sodium hydrogen carbonate. The reaction is established by mixing, and then equilibrating the mixture with water. This shows how to prepare ethanoic acid.

Uses of ethanoic acid

1. Preserving olives

The salt of ethanoic acid with a base such as sodium or potassium is used for example to preserve olives (salt brine). The piece of fruit is placed in a jar and covered with it. In the past, this was done by floating entrapped air pockets on top of the olive oil. Harsher chemicals such as sodium carbonate were also used in order to achieve this; however, ethanoic acid is nowadays regarded as a more natural alternative.

2. Cleaning antiques

Ethanoic acid can be used for cleaning antiques that are made from copper or bronze. To do this, place the copper or bronze object into a jar and cover it with with a mixture of sodium hydroxide and ethanoic acid. The container is sealed overnight in order to pick up the copper or bronze.

3. Aromatizing alcoholic beverages

Ethanoic acid is an ingredient that's added to wine or alcoholic beverages that are distilled for example and want to develop a fruity aroma. The alcohol after distillation is mixed in a proportion of 60% ethanoic acid and 40% water, and then placed into a container made from glass or ceramic. The after-treatment takes place at 60 degrees Celsius for 15 days.

4. Removing mineral deposits from objects

To remove mineral deposits from an object made from glass, you need to place this object into a container consisting of ethanoic acid and water. Afterward, apply heat and wait for the deposit to be removed.

5. Cleaning the environment of ground oil spills

Ethanoic acid can be used to deodorize an area that's contaminated with oil spills. A mixture consisting of ethanoic acid, sodium carbide and water is used for this purpose. The mixture is placed on the oily soil over a period of five days and then washed away.

In conclusions, how to prepare ethanoic acid, is an easy process, but it requires an experienced chemist.