Question

Describe the preparation of acetic acid through quick-vinegar process in following points:
(a) Diagram,
(b) Method,
(c) Equation of preparation,
(d) Any one precaution.

Answer 1

Method: Preparation of Acetic acid by Quick Vinegar process: In this process, a dilute aqueous solution of ethyl alcohol is oxidized in presence of enzyme microderma aceti.

In this process, a wooden vat is fitted with two wooden plates having holes. Between these plates is filled by beech wood savings, moistened with old vinegar solution which is the chief source of mycoderma aceti. A $10$% aqueous solution of ethyl alcohol is dropped slowly from the top of the vat and air is passed at a controlled rate through the holes near the bottom of the vat. Ethyl alcohol is oxidized to acetic acid. This process is called quick vinegar process because vinegar is formed very quickly.
(c) Equation of preparation:
$C{H}_{3}C{H}_{2}OH+\left[O\right]\underset{-bacteria}{\overset{Micodermaacetic}{\to }}C{H}_{3}CHO+H_{2}O$
Acetaldehyde
$C{H}_{3}CHO+\left[O\right]\underset{-bacteria}{\overset{Micodermaacetic}{\to }}C{H}_{3}COOH$
Acetic acid
(d) Any one precaution: $8-10$% concentrated solution of ethyl alcohol is employed.