Acids are chemical compounds which are proton donors (usually H+) or are available to receive electrons from basic (electron rich) compounds. Organic acids
are those compounds which have carbon and hydrogen in their molecular structure.
Organic Acids encountered in the homeName: Acetic Acid Alternate: Ethanoic acid Source: Ethanol (byproduct of fermentation of plants) :Acetylene (oil byproduct) Formula: CH3CO2H Properties: BP: 117.9 °C MP: 16.6 °C Density: 1.05g/cc Solubility in: Water, alcohol, ether, acetone, benzene, carbon disulfide Mildly acidic Odor: Sharp Reactive with most basic compounds Toxic on direct ingestion or inhalation Uses: Precursor to many acetate materials Vinegar (as 5% solution in water) Used as food flavoring or additive Used as deodorizer, especially for (pet) urine Used as solvent for caustics and for removal of some food stains Return to list Name: Acetyl Salicylic Acid Alternate: o-acetoxybenzoic Acid Common Name: Aspirin Source: Willow bark and acetic acid Phenol,carbon dioxide, sodium hydroxide and acetic acid Formula: o-CH3CO2C6H4CO2H Properties: MP: 135 °C Solubility in: Water, alcohol, ether, acetone, chloroform Mildly acidic Odor: Sharp Reactive with most basic compounds Uses: Astringent Pain reliever Return to list Name: Carbonic Acid Alternate: Source: Water and Carbon Dioxide, Phosgene Formula: CO(OH)2 Properties: Unstable, readily decomposes or reacts to form other compounds Uses: Intermediate in chemical reactions with such active bases as Ammonia, Chlorine, Alcohols Precursor to such compounds as Phosgene, Urea, Urethane, Cyanamide Return to list Name: Formic Acid Alternate: Methanoic Acid Source: Distillation of ants Formula: HCO2H Properties: BP: 100.7 °C MP: 8.4 °C Density: 1.22g/cc Solubility in: Water, alcohol, ether, acetone, benzene Mildly acidic Odor: Sharp Reactive with most basic compounds Toxic on direct ingestion or inhalation Uses: Precursor to Formaldehyde, Formamide Return to list