Why are ethanol and Acetic acids important to us?
Ethanol Ethanol is more commonly known as alcohol and is very popular in recreational drinks, a multimillion pound/dollar global industry. Ethanol also has widespread use as a solvent in scents, flavourings, colourings, and medicines. In chemistry, it is both an essential solvent and a feedstock for the synthesis of other products. It has a long history as a fuel for heat and light, and more recently as a fuel (sometimes called bioethanol) for internal combustion engines. Acetic Acid Dilute acetic acid produced by natural fermentation is called vinegar, from the Old French vinaigre, from vin “wine” + aigre “sour”. Vinegar has been used since ancient times and is an important element in European, Asian, and other cuisines. Acetic acid is also an important chemical reagent and industrial chemical, used in the production of plastics, as well as synthetic fibres and fabrics. In households, diluted acetic acid is often used in descaling agents. In the food industry, acetic acid is used as a
