Question

Why is ethanoic acid called glacial acetic acid?

Answer 1

• Ethanoic acid ($C{H}_{3}COOH$) is a two-carbon acid that follows Methanoic acid ($HCOOH$) as the second member of the carboxylic acid ($R-COOH$) family.
• Pure ethanoic acid has a melting point of $290K$, hence it frequently freezes or forms a colorless, ice-like liquid in colder climates called glaciers. The name "glacial acetic acid" comes from this property.