What Is the Chemical Name for HC2H3O2?

The chemical name for HC2H3O2 is acetic acid. Most people recognize acetic acid, when it is diluted with water, as vinegar. Acetic acid is also known as ethanoic acid.

Due to the fact that HC2H3O2 is an acid, it is also sometimes used as a solvent. It is also used in the mass production of wine, chemicals, starch and lacquers and occurs naturally in both plants and animals. Since it can be ingested when mixed with water, acetic acid is not considered a strong acid, though in large undiluted quantities, it can be dangerous. Its molecular formula is also written as C2H4O2, and it has a molecular weight of 60.05196.