Methanoic and ethanoic acids turn blue litmus to red quite easily. This indicates the acidic nature of the compounds. Higher members of the organic acid do not show this test as readily. If ethanol is reacted with sodium bicarbonate, sodium ethanoate, an ester is formed along with water and carbon dioxide. We have seen earlier how esters are formed when alcohols are made to react with organic acids in the presence of concentrated sulphuric acid.
Equation below shows the reaction for ethanoic acid reacting with ethanol.
Ethanol and ethanoic acid is mixed and warmed and few drops of concentrated sulphuric acid is added, A sweet smell will emanate from the reaction. The sweet smell is the smell of ester ethyl ethanoate. Uses of organic acids Organic acids are used in some food items. For example vinegar is dilute acetic acid. This is used in many preparations for pickles, salads, sauces, etc.