Can someone explain why we can smell vinegar (ethanoic acid) but not a dilute solution of nitric acid.?

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Can someone explain why we can smell vinegar (ethanoic acid) but not a dilute solution of nitric acid.?

2006-12-01 21:58:00 · 2 answers · asked by pete 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry

2 answers

Vinegar contains ethanoic acid (also called acetic acid) which is an Organic acid. It is not entirely ionized and so does not stay in the aqueous solution like mineral acids (including nitric acid).

The molecules which are not ionized can still vaporize and this is what you smell, even in a dilute solution.

2006-12-01 22:10:27 · answer #1 · answered by Richard 7 · 72⤊ 0⤋

Of course not.

2006-12-02 06:07:04 · answer #2 · answered by Commander 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋