12.15 Uses of carboxylic acids and its derivatives#
Formic acid
It is used
i) for the dehydration of hides.
ii) as a coagulating agent for rubber latex
iii) in medicine for treatment of gout
iv) as an antiseptic in the preservation of fruit juice.
Acetic acid
It is used
i) as table vinegar
ii) for coagulating rubber latex
iii) for manufacture of cellulose acetate and polyvinyl acetate
Benzoic acid
It is used
i) as food preservative either in the pure form or in the form of sodium benzoate
ii) in medicine as an urinary antiseptic
iii) for manufacture of dyes
Acetyl Chloride
It is used
i) as acetylating agent in organic synthesis
ii) in detection and estimation of -OH, -\(NH_2\) groups in organic compounds
Acetic anhydride
It is used
i) acetylating agent
ii) in the preparation of medicine like aspirin and phenacetin
iii) for the manufacture plastics like cellulose acetate and poly vinyl acetate.
Ethyl acetate is used
i) in the preparation of artificial fruit essences.
ii) as a solvent for lacquers.
iii) in the preparation of organic synthetic reagent like ethyl acetoacetate.