- Forums
- Other Sciences
- Chemistry
- Thread starteralr1014
- Start date
- Tags
- AlcoholChemistryCuriousNeutralizeRandom
In summary: Alcohol is not a base. Or, more precisely - it is a very weak base. Way to weak for a normal neutralization reaction to take place.
- #1
alr1014
- 7
- 1
I was reading a post on Facebook about cleaning and it said to mix rubbing alcohol and vinegar and put it in your windown washer fluid tank. Someone commented that it would corrode or eat away at the tubing. I keep thinking the mixture would be an acid /base mixture and would neutralize. I was trying to tag up on it but the most I found was that it was not a typical acid base solution but another type that transfers protons to one another? Only in Gen Chem 2 so have not come across proton sharing... anyways, now I am thoroughly entrigued by the entire thing and would like to know the outcome of this mixture as a washing fluid for your car and if it is a neutralization reaction or what. Thanks for any assistance on this inconsequential matter.
Chemistry news on Phys.org
- #2
Simon Bridge
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 17,876
- 1,659
Welcome to PF;
Is alcohol a base?
Supermarket white vinegar is about 8% acetic acid
Rubbing alchohol is about 70% ethanol
The reaction produces ethyl acetate.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethyl_acetate
The mixture is not as effective as commercial cleaners - though it is a lot cheaper and most commercial cleaners are overkill.
Borek
Mentor
- 28,929
- 4,215
alr1014 said:
I keep thinking the mixture would be an acid /base mixture and would neutralize.
Alcohol is not a base. Or, more precisely - it is a very weak base. Way to weak for a normal neutralization reaction to take place.
Protons transfer IS an acid/base reaction. I guess you think in terms of the Arrhenius acids and bases, and to classify proton transfer as an acid/base reaction you need to think in terms of Bronsted-Lowry acids and bases. Note that this is the same theory that is required to explain reactions of ammonia, so not something esoteric and rarely used.
- #4
Borek
Mentor
- 28,929
- 4,215
Simon Bridge said:
Rubbing alchohol is about 70% ethanol
Unless it is an isopropyl alcohol.
Simon Bridge said:
The reaction produces ethyl acetate.
It won't happen just because you mix these two. Esterification requires an additional acid catalyst, preferably a strong, dessicating acid like sulphuric.
- #5
alr1014
- 7
- 1
Thank yall so much for replying! But just to clarify, the solution would not corrode or otherwise eat away at the tubing? I wouldn't think that it would, but just wanting to be sure. And the Arrhenius theory sounds familiar, the other not so much. We have not talked about proton sharing, just election sharing. Is that something we will go over in organic?
- #6
Borek
Mentor
- 28,929
- 4,215
Bronsted-Lowry theory is typically taught as a part of the GenChem course. Without it you won't be able to explain why ammonia solutions are basic nor why the Fe3+ solutions are acidic.
Whether the tubing will corrode - no idea. I doubt, as the typical windshield fluids can be quite aggressive, and the tubing is made to hold in their presence. But that's just a guess, which doesn't have to be correct.
- #7
alr1014
- 7
- 1
Borek said:
Bronsted-Lowry theory is typically taught as a part of the GenChem course. Without it you won't be able to explain why ammonia solutions are basic nor why the Fe3+ solutions are acidic.
Whether the tubing will corrode - no idea. I doubt, as the typical windshield fluids can be quite aggressive, and the tubing is made to hold in their presence. But that's just a guess, which doesn't have to be correct.
You know what is hilarious? We will be going over those type of acids and bases Wednesday (decided to go look in my chem book to see if I glossed over it somehow and low and behold! ) (: if this conversation had happened then, I wouldn't feel so out of the loop lol. Thanks for all the help though!
- #8
SteamKing
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 12,811
- 1,670
Simon Bridge said:
Welcome to PF;
Is alcohol a base?Supermarket white vinegar is about 8% acetic acid
Rubbing alchohol is about 70% ethanol
You must get your "rubbing" alcohol from a different store than I do. 
1. What happens when you mix rubbing alcohol and vinegar together?
When rubbing alcohol (also known as isopropyl alcohol) and vinegar are mixed together, a chemical reaction occurs where the two substances neutralize each other. This means that the properties of both substances are altered, resulting in a new substance with different properties.
2. Can rubbing alcohol and vinegar be used as a cleaning solution?
Yes, rubbing alcohol and vinegar can be used as a cleaning solution, but they should not be mixed together. Both substances have strong cleaning properties, but when mixed, they can produce harmful fumes and may not be as effective in cleaning. It is best to use them separately or use a pre-made cleaning solution that contains both ingredients in safe proportions.
3. Is the neutralization of rubbing alcohol and vinegar dangerous?
The neutralization of rubbing alcohol and vinegar is not dangerous as long as it is done in a well-ventilated area. However, it is important to note that the resulting substance may still be harmful if ingested or inhaled, so caution should be taken when handling it.
4. What are the properties of the substance formed by the neutralization of rubbing alcohol and vinegar?
The substance formed by the neutralization of rubbing alcohol and vinegar is called isopropyl acetate. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a fruity smell and has many industrial uses, such as in the production of paints, coatings, and perfumes.
5. Can I use rubbing alcohol and vinegar to disinfect surfaces?
Yes, both rubbing alcohol and vinegar have disinfecting properties and can be used to clean and disinfect surfaces. However, again, it is not recommended to mix the two together as it can produce harmful fumes and may not be as effective in disinfecting. It is best to use them separately or use a pre-made disinfecting solution.
Similar threads
Why is the U-2 nicknamed the Dragon Lady?
- General Discussion
- Replies
- 4
- Views
- 7K
- Forums
- Other Sciences
- Chemistry
