Question

The odour of acetic acid resembles that of :

• A. Tomato
• B. Kerosene
• C. Vinegar
• D. Lemon juice

Hint:

Vinegar is essentially a dilute solution of acetic acid (\(5\text{--}8\%\) in water).
Thus, their smells are identical in character.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify which of the given common substances has a smell that resembles that of acetic acid.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Acetic acid (\(\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}\)), also known systematically as ethanoic acid, is a simple carboxylic acid with a sharp, pungent sour smell.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Vinegar is an aqueous solution containing approximately \(5\%\) to \(8\%\) of acetic acid by volume.

• The characteristic sharp, sour smell and taste of household vinegar is entirely due to the presence of dilute acetic acid.

• Pure anhydrous acetic acid is called glacial acetic acid, which has an extremely powerful vinegar odor.

• Other substances like tomato (contains citric and malic acids), kerosene (petroleum hydrocarbons), and lemon juice (primarily citric acid) have completely different odors that do not resemble the pungent smell of acetic acid.


Step 4: Final Answer:
The odour of acetic acid resembles that of vinegar.