Some ordinary people believe that there is no difference between vinegar and the acid of the same name. But this opinion is wrong, and the two products cannot be called interchangeable. Consider what features are present in each case and how vinegar differs from acetic acid.
Definition
Vinegar is an aqueous solution with some content of the main component.
Acetic acid is a corrosive substance with the formula CH3COOH.
Comparison
In each case, the object of attention is a colorless, sometimes slightly colored liquid of natural or synthetic origin. And the difference between vinegar and acetic acid lies in the content of the main substance.
Acetic acid is the basic component. It can be absolute, waterless. You will not find such a product on free sale. It is intended for laboratory use only. The acid is handled with extreme caution, since even its vapors are highly irritating to the respiratory tract mucosa. And ingestion of a very small dose can cause fatal burns.
However, there is a product in this category on the shelves, which is an acid diluted 20-30% with water. It is called "vinegar essence". The concentration of the main substance in such a solution is also very high, therefore, one must be careful here too. The essence is most often purchased in order to further add water to it in the right amount and get nothing more than vinegar. This final composition has a less sour taste.
So, vinegar is the solution with the smallest concentration of the base substance. It can be as high as 15%. But the most widely used composition is in which the proportion of food acid is much less - 9 or 6%. An already finished product can be bought without any problems in a regular store.
Considering what is the difference between vinegar and acetic acid, it is worth mentioning the benefits of products of this category. The acidic composition is in demand as an important ingredient in everyday cooking and for preservation. But vinegar is used not only for food purposes.
With it, for example, you can remove rust and scale from objects, as well as remove blockages, using in addition soda and boiling water. The vinegar added to the flower vase prolongs the life of the bouquet. This composition will remove the stale smell from the refrigerator or cabinet, it is only necessary to wipe the surface with a damp cloth. Vinegar finds its use in many other ways.
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