Physical Properties of Acetic Acid

(a) It is a colourless, at ordinary temperature, corrosive liquid along with a sharp pungent odour of vinegar. It has a sour taste.

(b) Below 16.5°C, it solidifies as an icy mass, therefore it is named glacial acetic acid.

(c) It boils at 118°C. The high boiling point of acetic acid in contrast to alkanes, alkyl halides or alcohols of nearly similar molecular masses is because of more stronger hydrogen bonding among acid molecules. This as well describes dimer formation of acetic acid in vapour state.

(d) It is miscible along with water, alcohol and ether in all proportions.

(e) It is fine solvent for phosphorus, sulphur, iodine and several organic compounds.