Question

What do you understand by organic acids? Give the name of two organic acids and their sources?

Answer 1

Organic acids:

$1.$Organic acids are those acids that do not dissociate completely in water whereas mineral acids do.

$2.$Examples of simple organic acids are ‘Acetic’ acids or ‘Formic acids’, they are very less reactive than mineral acids.

$3.$Organic acids are also used in food preservation.

Two organic acids and their sources:

$1.$Acetic acid: Its chemical formula is $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}\right).$

• Vinegar is a high source of acetic acid.

$2.$Citric acid: Its chemical formula is $\left({\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_6{\mathrm{O}}_8\right).$

• Lemons, oranges, and citrus fruits are high sources of citric acid.