4.4.2 Properties of Ethanoic Acid

. . Properties of Ethanoic Acid Ethanoic acid is commonly called acetic acid and belongs to a group of acids called carboxylic acids. - % solution of acetic acid in water is called vinegar and is used widely as a preservative in pickles. The melting point of pure ethanoic acid is K and hence it often freezes during winter in cold climates. This gave rise to its name glacial acetic acid. The group of organic compounds called carboxylic acids are obviously characterised by their acidic nature. However, unlike mineral acids like HCl, which are completely ionised, carboxylic acids are weak acids.