Vinegar
Vincent Adamo
Chemical Name + Formula
Compound Structure
Compound Type
Common Uses
Properties
State: Aqueous. Acetic acid is an acid, and is therefore in an aqueous state. Vinegar appears as a liquid in stores for this reason.
Colour in Aqueous State: Clear, "white" vinegar sold in stores is clear!
Melting Point: 16.6ºC, Vinegar has a fairly low melting point. This is due to the fact that vinegar is an molecular compound (molecular compounds have lower melting points). It isn't too low because it is a polar molecule (has stronger bonds between it's molecules than non-polar molecules). This lower melting point is the reason why vinegar is most commonly found as an aqueous liquid. It allows vinegar to be used as dressing and as a cleaning fluid.
Boiling Point: 117.9ºC, Vinegar also has a fairly low boiling point, also due to reasons stated above. Weaker bonds between molecules means bonds are easier to break, and boiling becomes easier.
Chemical Properties of Vinegar:
Flammability: The vinegar bought in stores is not flammable. This makes it easier and safer to use for whatever purposes it is used for. However, substances containing more acetic acid are flammable.
Toxicity: The severe toxicity of acetic acid is low. Low amounts of it in a solution are not harmful. Vinegar generally only has a 5% acetic acid solution in it which is why it is not harmful when a person ingests it. However, large amounts of acetic acid are toxic when ingested and sometimes are toxic at the touch because it is extremely acidic.
Benefits of Vinegar to Human Health
Risks of Consuming Vinegar
Suggestions for Safe Use
Sources
The Vinegar Institute. http://www.versatilevinegar.org/usesandtips.html (July 5, 2014)
Noël-Marie Taylor, The New Homemaker. http://www.thenewhomemaker.com/cleanorg/vinegar.html (July 5, 2014)
DHerbs. http://dherbs.com/news/4800/4669/Vicious-Vinegar/d,ai.html#.U729UI1dXmV (July 6, 2014)
The National Academies Press. http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=4911&page=240 (July 6, 2014)
Frankie Smith, Live Strong. http://www.livestrong.com/article/491270-bad-effects-of-vinegar (July 6, 2014)
Gayle A. Alleman, How Stuff Works. http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/food-nutrition/facts/the-health-benefits-of-vinegar3.htm (July 9, 2014)
Mail Online. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-37317/The-healing-powers-vinegar.html (July 9, 2014)