Alcohols
Read our general notes on Risk Assessment
What is the connection between wine and vinegar?
Igloo replies
When the alcohol (ethanol) in wine becomes oxidised (e.g. by the air, in the presence of certain bacteria) it forms ethanoic acid. This gives wine, which has been allowed to deteriorate, a sharp acidic taste.
This process can be carried out in a controlled manner on inferior wines, producing what is known as wine vinegars (both red and white). Likewise, cider vinegar is derived from the oxidation of the alcohol in cider.
The simple answer to your question is therefore an “oxidation process”.
Risk assessment
Before attempting any practical work based on the advice and suggestions on this website, you must do the following. Identify any hazards, assess the risks from these hazards, and then decide appropriate control measures to reduce the risks. You must have these approved by those in authority in your school or college laboratory. Do not rely on what is said on this website.
For further guidance see our tutorial on Risk Assessment.
Rate this page or react
Share your views on this page, 10 ratings so far
, rated at 
updated: 27 September 2004
