Acetate: The main distinction between acetate and

The main distinction between acetate and acetic acid is that acetic acid is a neutral compound, while acetate is an anion with a net negative electric charge. Acetic acid is an organic compound that helps create vinegar while acetate ion is the acetic acid’s conjugate base. The neutral molecules formed by the combination of the acetate ion and a positive ion (called a cation) are also commonly called " acetates " (hence, acetate of lead, acetate of aluminium, etc.). An acetate is a chemical compound derived from acetic acid, or ordinary household vinegar, the fermentation product of wine. The acid’s chemical structure consists of a methyl group (CH 3) bonded to a carboxylic acid group (COOH). When acetic acid’s carboxylic acid hydrogen is stripped, the remainder, CH 3 COO-, is called " acetate " (shorthand, -Ac). There are both organic and inorganic forms of acetate . An example of the former is the ethyl ester, or oily fingernail polish remover, while ... Acetate is a human-made fabric derived from wood pulp and chemicals, often used as an alternative to silk or rayon. Learn about its advantages, disadvantages, and environmental impacts, and how to choose more eco-friendly acetate products.