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Ethanoic Acid.

When ethanol reacts with oxygen it forms a weak acid called ethanoic acid.
This can happen naturally in the presence of bacteria,
and it is the ethanoic acid which makes beer or wine taste sour.

ethanol +  oxygen     ethanoic acid +  water.
C₂H₅OH_(aq)  + O_2(g)         CH₃CO₂H_(aq)   +   H₂O_(l)

Ethanoic acid is a weak acid.
It is found in vinegar ("vinegar" is Old French for "sour wine").
Vinegar is used as a food flavouring and preservative.

Ethanoic acid is used to make a polymer called acetate rayon.
Acetate rayon fibres can be woven to make clothing and fabrics.

Structure of ethanoic acid.

Ethanoic acid will react with alcohols, alkalis, carbonates and metals.

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