Would rubbing alcohol and vinegar neutralize each other?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the potential interaction between rubbing alcohol and vinegar, specifically whether they would neutralize each other when mixed for use in a windshield washer fluid. Participants explore the chemical nature of the substances involved, the implications for corrosion of tubing, and the relevant acid-base theories.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the mixture of rubbing alcohol (70% ethanol) and vinegar (8% acetic acid) could be considered an acid/base mixture, while others clarify that alcohol is not a strong base and that a typical neutralization reaction may not occur.
  • One participant notes that the reaction between ethanol and acetic acid produces ethyl acetate, but emphasizes that this reaction requires an acid catalyst and won't occur simply by mixing the two substances.
  • Concerns are raised about whether the mixture would corrode the tubing of a windshield washer fluid system, with some participants expressing doubt about corrosion occurring, while others remain uncertain.
  • Participants discuss the relevance of Bronsted-Lowry acid-base theory in understanding the reactions involved, with some indicating that it is typically covered in general chemistry courses.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on whether the mixture would corrode the tubing, as participants express differing levels of confidence and uncertainty regarding the effects of the mixture. Additionally, there is disagreement on the classification of alcohol as a base and the nature of the reactions involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for additional context regarding the chemical properties of the substances and the conditions under which reactions occur. There are unresolved questions about the specifics of corrosion and the applicability of different acid-base theories.

alr1014
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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.
 
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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.
 
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.
 
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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.
 
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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?
 
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.
 
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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!
 
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. :wink:
 

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