What is the Difference Between Organic Acid and Inorganic Acid?

The main difference between organic and inorganic acids lies in their origin, chemical composition, and solubility. Here are the key differences:

1. Origin: Organic acids have a biological origin and are derived from living organisms, while inorganic acids do not have a biological origin and are derived from mineral sources.
2. Chemical Composition: Organic acids usually contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and are weak acids, such as citric, ascorbic, lactic, malic, tartaric, and fumaric acids. Inorganic acids, on the other hand, contain minerals and can be strong acids, such as phosphoric, hydrochloric, and sulfuric acids.
3. Solubility: Organic acids are generally insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Inorganic acids are typically well soluble in water and non-soluble in organic solvents.
4. Molecular Mass: Organic acids generally have lesser molecular mass and are miscible, while some organic acids with high molecular mass, like benzoic acids, are not miscible in water.
5. Reactivity: Organic acids are usually less reactive than inorganic acids, making them less corrosive. Inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric and sulfuric acids, are highly reactive and have corrosive properties.

Examples of organic acids include citric acid (found in citrus fruits) and acetic acid (found in vinegar). Examples of inorganic acids include sulfuric acid (found in battery acid) and hydrochloric acid (found in stomach acid).

Comparative Table: Organic Acid vs Inorganic Acid

Here is a table highlighting the differences between organic and inorganic acids:

In summary, organic acids are weak, carbon-containing compounds that are typically found in biological sources, while inorganic acids are strong, non-carbon-containing compounds found in mineral sources.