Question

The molecular formula of acetic acid is_____.
A.$HCOOH$
B.$C{H_3} - C{H_3}$
C.${C_6}{H_6}$
D.${C_2}{H_4}{O_2}$

Answer 1

The molecular formula is an empirical formula that represents the simplest whole-integer ratio of atoms in a compound. Acetic acid is also known as ethanoic acid (IUPAC name), the most important one among the carboxylic acids.

Complete step by step answer: Acetic acid or ethanoic acid is one of the simplest monocarboxylic acids containing $2$ carbon atoms. It is a synthetic carboxylic acid and has antibacterial and antifungal properties. The general formula of carboxylic acid is ${C_n}{H_{2n + 1}}COOH$. The molecular formula of acetic acid is ${C_2}{H_4}{O_2}$ or $C{H_3}COOH$. The molecular weight of it is $60.05{\text{ }}g/mol.$ Acetic acid is a weak acid which used to inhibit carbohydrate metabolism resulting in the subsequent death of the organism. It is a very important industrial chemical and chemical reagent that is used in the production of plastic soft drink bottles, polyvinyl acetate for wood glue, photographic film, and also used to produce fabrics and synthetic fibers. Dilute acetic acid is used as a cleaning agent in households and in the food industries; it is used as an acidity regulator. It is excreted and produced by the Acetobacter genus and Clostridium acetobutylicum bacteria and it is a natural method. These bacteria are found in water, soil, and foodstuffs.

Hence, option D is correct.

Additional information:
Pure acetic acid is known as Glacial acetic acid. It is a corrosive, colorless liquid. It can be miscible with water, its boiling point is $117.9^\circ C$, and its melting point is $16.6^\circ C$.

Note: Do not get confused between $HCOOH$ and $C{H_3}COOH$ because both are carboxylic acids with two oxygen atoms. We need to remember that ‘eth’ or ‘Acet’ are used as a prefix to represent $2$ carbon atoms.