How can ethanol and ethanoic acid be differentiated on the basis of their physical and chemical properties?

Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) and ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH) can be differentiated based on both physical and chemical properties. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

Physical Properties
Boiling Points:

Ethanol: Boils at 78.37°C.
Ethanoic Acid: Boils at 118.1°C.
Explanation: Ethanoic acid has a higher boiling point due to strong hydrogen bonding between its molecules, whereas ethanol, though it also forms hydrogen bonds, has weaker interactions compared to ethanoic acid.
Smell:

Ethanol: Has a characteristic alcoholic odor.
Ethanoic Acid: Has a pungent, vinegar-like smell.
Explanation: The smell of ethanoic acid is due to its acidic nature, whereas ethanol has a milder alcoholic odor.
Solubility in Water:

Both ethanol and ethanoic acid are soluble in water, but ethanoic acid is more soluble due to its ability to form strong hydrogen bonds and its acidic nature.
Chemical Properties
Reaction with Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO₃):

Ethanol: Does not react with sodium bicarbonate.
Ethanoic Acid: Reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide gas (CO₂).
Reaction: CH₃COOH + NaHCO₃ → CH₃COONa + CO₂ + H₂O
Explanation: Ethanoic acid is a weak acid and can react with bicarbonates, whereas ethanol is not acidic and does not react in this manner.
Reaction with Sodium Metal:

Ethanol: Reacts with sodium to form sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas.
Reaction: 2C₂H₅OH + 2Na → 2C₂H₅ONa + H₂
Ethanoic Acid: Also reacts with sodium, but the reaction is more vigorous compared to ethanol, producing sodium acetate and hydrogen gas.
Reaction: CH₃COOH + Na → CH₃COONa + ½ H₂
Explanation: Both compounds react with sodium, but the reaction products and the rate differ due to their different chemical nature.
pH:

Ethanol: Has a neutral pH around 7.
Ethanoic Acid: Has a low pH (acidic), typically around 2-3 in solution.
Explanation: Ethanoic acid is a weak acid and thus has a lower pH, whereas ethanol is neutral.
By analyzing these physical and chemical properties, you can effectively differentiate between ethanol and ethanoic acid.