Do you love that nice odor of vinegar, the usefulness of plastics and rubber, and those handy nonflammable film reels?

Then get yourself some Acetic Acid!

It's the best stuff in town!

It's uniquely shaped:

 The carbon bonded to three hydrogens and the oxygen bonded to carbon and hydrogen are 

Tetrahedral Structures (AX4):

these have 109.5 degree bonding angles

The second carbon atom is 

Trigonal Planar (AX3):

these have 120 degree bonding angles

Around the oxygen is 

Bent (AX2E2):

these have 109.5 degree bonding angles

Here it is in 3D, notice the double bond between the Carbon and Oxygen:

It even has some super strong intermolecular forces... 

guaranteeing some great bonds!

Of course like all molecules that bond, Acetic Acid has 

London Dispersion: as electrons move around atoms, they may be more to one side than another, very temporarily.  It is the weakest force.

Since this molecule is polar, it also has 

Dipole-dipole: stronger than dispersion, dipole happens when one end of the molecule is negatively charge and one end is positively charged. 

This molecule is really a special one because it also has

Hydrogen Bonding: even stronger than dipole, this bonding occurs when a Hydrogen of one molecule is attracted to the O, F, or N of a nearby molecule. 

*If it were to bond with itself one of the many hydrogen atoms could bond with an oxygen atom


Electronegativity 


C=2.5
H=2.2
O=3.5


 C and H -- .3 (Moderately covalent)
    H and O -- 1.3 (Moderately covalent)
C and O -- 1 (Moderately covalent)


Acetic Acid is very useful, but very corrosive, 
don't get it on you!

Fun Facts about Acetic Acid:

• It is the simplest carboxylic acid
• Melting Point: 16.6 C
• Boiling Point: 117-118 C
• It is a clear liquid at room temperature
• It is used in the production of  

                       -food

                       -cosmetics

                       -rubber chemicals

                       -flavor fragrance

                       -vitamins

                       -antibiotics

                       -developing film

As you can see this molecule is widely used, whether you are keeping healthy, getting ready in the morning, want a tasty snack, or preserving some cherished memories Acetic Acid is everywhere!

Surely you can't live without it so get some today!

(Can be found in an industrial supply house or a photography shop near you) 

*online purchasing is discouraged