Bases Properties and Examples

Annual U.S. production of sulfuric acid exceeds 36 million tons. 

Sulfuric acid—the most widely produced chemical in the United States—and nitric acid are commonly used in the laboratory. In addition, they are used in the manufacture of fertilizers, explosives, dyes, and glue. Sulfuric acid is contained in most automobile batteries. 

Acetic acid is found in most people s homes as the active component of vinegar. It is also produced in improperly stored wines. The word vinegar originates from the French vin aigre, which means sour wine. The presence of vinegar in wines is considered a serious fault, making the wine taste like salad dressing. 

Acetic acid is an example of a carboxylic acid, an acid containing the grouping of atoms known as the carboxylic acid group. 

We often find carboxylic acids (covered in more detail in Chapter 18, Section 18.15), in substances derived from living organisms. Other carboxylic acids include citric acid, the main acid in lemons and limes, and malic acid, an acid found in apples, grapes, and wine. 

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