acetic acid

The acid which imparts sourne to vinegar, vinegar being simply acetic acid diluted, tinged with colour, and slightly mingled with other impurities. The formula of acetic acid is CH3 C2H3O(OH), or Hoco, }, or or Co H = methyl-formic acid. It is formed by the acetous fermentation of alcohol. [FERMENTATION.] Acetic acid is a monatomic monobasic acid. Its salts are called acetates. A molecule of acetic acid can also unite with normal acetates like water of crystallisation. Its principal salts are those of pota ium, sodium, and ammonium, a solution of which is called Spiritus Mindereri. The acetates of barium and calcium are very soluble. Aluminum acetate is used in dyeing. Lead acetate is called sugar of lead from its sweet taste. It di olves in 14 parts of cold water; it also di olves oxide of lead, forming a basic acetate of lead. Basic cupric acetate is called verdigris. Acetic acid below 15.5° forms colourle transparent crystals (glacial acetic acid), which melt into a thin colourle pungent, strongly acid liquid, soluble in alcohol, ether, and water. It boils at 118°. Its vapour is inflammable. Pyroligneous acid is impure acetic acid, formed by the destructive distillation at red heat of dry hard wood, as oak and beech. acetic ethers [example, ethyl acetate, C2H3O IMG:content-0105.png:[blocks in formation] acetum vinegar; Gr. μέτρον (metron) = 8 measure.] The act or method of ascertaining the strength of vinegar.