PROPERTIES OF ACETIC ACID.

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ACETIC ACTE)*

PART XCII.

The acetous acid, deprived of part of its carbon, changes itsnature; it acquires new properties, and then constitutes whatis called acetic acid. The difference between the acetous and*acetic acid does not depend, as was formerly supposed, on a dif-ferent degree of oxigenation, but on the different proportions ofcarbon, which enter into its composition.

PROPERTIES OF ACETIC ACID.

Acetic acid has a more pungent sour smell than acetous acidIts odour is so penetrating that when very concentrated it is im-possible to support it for any length of time, it is even causticand capable of corroding the skin. It is extremely volatile.

METHOD OF OBTAINING ACETIC ACID.

Take one part of acetate of potash, put it into a tubulated re-tort, lodged in a sand-heat, and pour gradually upon it half itsweight of sulphuric acid. A violent action takes place, and partof the acetic acid becomes liberated in the form of white vapours.After the spontaneous action has ceased, distil with a gentleheat, and acetic acid will be obtained in considerable quantity.