Explain why ethanoic acid is more acidic than ethanol
Ethanoic acid is more acidic than ethanol because it has a carboxylic acid functional group (–COOH), which can easily release a hydrogen ion (H+) in solution, making it a stronger acid. In contrast, ethanol has a hydroxyl functional group (-OH), which is not as easily ionized, and therefore, ethanol is a weaker acid.
Additionally, the presence of the electronegative oxygen atoms in the carboxylic acid functional group of ethanoic acid stabilizes the resulting carboxylate ion through resonance, making it easier for the acid to donate a proton and release H+. This stabilization is not present in ethanol, further contributing to the higher acidity of ethanoic acid compared to ethanol.