Ethanol and ethanoic acid can be differentiated on the basis of their physical and chemical properties.

Physical Properties:

Ethanol is a liquid at room temperature and is soluble in water in all proportions. It is commonly called alcohol and is a good solvent used in medicines like tincture iodine, cough syrups, and tonics.

Ethanoic acid is commonly called acetic acid. Its melting point is 290 K, and it often freezes during winter in cold climates, hence called glacial acetic acid. A 5-8% solution in water is called vinegar, used as a preservative in pickles. Unlike mineral acids like HCl which are completely ionised, ethanoic acid is a weak acid.

Chemical Properties:

Ethanol reacts with sodium to form sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas. It burns in sufficient air to give carbon dioxide and water.

Ethanoic acid undergoes esterification reaction with ethanol in presence of an acid catalyst to form a sweet-smelling ester. It reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium ethanoate and water. It also reacts with sodium carbonate and sodium hydrogencarbonate to produce a gas that turns lime-water milky.