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How do you write acetic acid formula?

GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer

The chemical formula for acetic acid can be written in several ways: CH3COOH (condensed structural formula), C2H4O2 (molecular formula), or HC2H3O2 (alternative representation). The most commonly used representation is CH3COOH, which clearly shows the molecule's structure with a methyl group (CH3) connected to a carboxyl group (COOH). This formula helps visualize how the acid donates a hydrogen ion (H+) from the COOH group when dissolved in water.

General · Class 12