Vinegar is widely used in household cooking, food preservation, and pickling to prevent fo… — State PSC Exam

Vinegar is widely used in household cooking, food preservation, and pickling to prevent food spoilage. Which organic acid is the primary active component present in household vinegar?

Acetic acidAnswer
B
Citric acid
C
Formic acid
D
Tartaric acid

Answer

Acetic acid is the primary constituent of household vinegar.

Acetic acid (

CH_3COOH

), also known systematically as ethanoic acid, is produced via bacterial fermentation of ethanol and forms the essential acidic ingredient (usually 4–8% by volume) in commercial and household vinegar.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify the chemical composition of household vinegar.

Household vinegar is a dilute aqueous solution consisting mainly of acetic acid (

CH_3COOH

) in water.

Fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria yields acetic acid, which provides vinegar with its characteristic sour taste and preservative qualities.

Key Concept

Chemical compounds in everyday household use

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