Question

Vinegar contains which organic acid?
A. Vanillic acid
B. Lactic acid
C. Oxalic acid
D. Acetic acid

Answer 1

We know that vinegar is commonly used as an ingredient in cooking. Ethanoic acid is the other name of an organic acid which is present in vinegar.

Complete answer: or Complete step by step answer:
It is known to us that ethanoic acid belongs to the very important class of organic compounds, called carboxylic acids. Carboxylic acids are organic compounds, containing carboxylic functional groups. There are so many natural carboxylic acids present. The aliphatic acid with a large number of carbon chains is called fatty acids, which are found in natural fats.
The carboxylic functional group composed of carbonyl group and hydroxyl group. The chemical formula of carboxylic acid is ${\rm{RCOOH}}$, ${\rm{R}}$ can be alkyl or aryl group. Now, let’s discuss in detail what basically vinegar is.
Vinegar is defined as a liquid that consists of about $5 - 20\%$ of organic acid, acetic acid and water. The chemical formula of acetic acid is ${\rm{C}}{{\rm{H}}_{\rm{3}}}{\rm{COOH}}$. It contains two carbon atoms, thus, the parent name of this compound is “eth”. Also, due to the carboxylic acid functional group, the name becomes ethanoic acid. So, we conclude that acetic acid is chemically known as ethanoic acid. It is a very mild acid with a sour taste.
Hence, we can say that vinegar contains acetic acid.

So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note:
Based on the source materials, there are several types of vinegar. Vinegar is primarily used as a flavorful, acidic cooking ingredient, or in pickling.