Acetic acid with chemical formula CH3COOH is a monocarboxylic acid with one “COOH” group. It’s an anhydrous, clear, colourless liquid having a pungent smell. Acetic acid is also known as ethanoic acid, ethylic acid, vinegar acid, and methane carboxylic acid. In the diluted form. next to formic acid, acetic acid is the simplest carboxyl group. Acetic acid uses are umpteen, and it is used across several industries.