Carbon and its Compounds - Describe properties and uses of ethanol, ethanoic acid, soaps, and detergents

Ethanol ($C_2H_5OH$) is a colorless liquid at room temperature with a distinct smell and burning taste. It is soluble in water in all proportions.

Ethanol reacts with Sodium ($Na$) to form sodium ethoxide ($CH_3CH_2ONa$) and evolve hydrogen gas ($H_2$).

Dehydration of Ethanol: Heating ethanol at $443\text{ K}$ with excess concentrated $H_2SO_4$ results in the formation of ethene ($CH_2=CH_2$). Here, $H_2SO_4$ acts as a dehydrating agent.

Ethanoic Acid ($CH_3COOH$) belongs to the group of carboxylic acids. A $5-8\%$ solution of ethanoic acid in water is called vinegar.

Glacial Acetic Acid: The melting point of pure ethanoic acid is $290\text{ K}$. It often freezes during winter in cold climates, giving it this name.

Esterification Reaction: Ethanoic acid reacts with absolute ethanol in the presence of an acid catalyst to give an ester ($CH_3COOC_2H_5$), which is characterized by a sweet smell.

Saponification: Esters react in the presence of an alkali like $NaOH$ to give back the alcohol and the sodium salt of the carboxylic acid ($CH_3COONa$).

Reaction with Carbonates: Ethanoic acid reacts with carbonates ($Na_2CO_3$) and hydrogencarbonates ($NaHCO_3$) to produce salt, water, and carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) gas.