Home Chemistry: Making Acetic Acid Attempt. Result = Nope!
334 views · Published 8 February 2018 · 1:53 · Indexed 6 October 2026
Channel: Matthew Wilson · 2018 · Howto & Style
Here I have combined 95.5% ethanol (everclear) with iron (III) oxide to catalytically decompose 35% hydrogen peroxide. My hope, my hypothesis, is that this will oxidize the ethanol into acetic acid. I'll see if I raise the solution pH and have the wife smell it to see if it smells like vinegar. I do not have a sense of smell (anosmia) so someone else needs to be my nose. Disclaimer: Do not drink the experiment solution.--iron (III) oxide is not dangerous, but I imagine tastes horrible. I also don't believe in "benefits" of drinking any amount of "food grade" hydrogen peroxide. H2O2 in concentrations of 35% WILL BURN THE SKIN if mishandled, so wear gloves. This experiment is rather benign and is safe to perform by most people with a limited knowledge of proper safety procedures. Goggles should be worn as well as gloves to protect yourself against concentrated hydrogen peroxide.
