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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Volatile and Nonvolatile Acids?

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The main difference between volatile and nonvolatile acids lies in their vaporization properties. Volatile acids vaporize very quickly, while nonvolatile acids do not vaporize quickly.

Volatile Acids:

  • These acids have a high tendency to vaporize due to their high vapor pressure at normal room temperature.
  • Examples of volatile acids include acetic acid, formic acid, succinic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid.
  • In the human body, all acids produced are nonvolatile except carbonic acid.

Nonvolatile Acids:

  • These acids have a low tendency to vaporize due to their low vapor pressure at normal room temperature.
  • Examples of nonvolatile acids include tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, acetoacetic acid, and beta-hydroxybutyric acid.
  • In the human body, nonvolatile acids are excreted by the kidneys, and they are produced from an incomplete metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

In summary, the vapor pressure of the acid determines whether it is volatile or nonvolatile, which in turn affects its ability to vaporize and escape into the gas phase.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Volatile and Nonvolatile Acids?
  • Comparative Table: Volatile vs Nonvolatile Acids

    • Comparative Table: Volatile vs Nonvolatile Acids

    Here is a table comparing volatile and nonvolatile acids:

    Property Volatile Acids Nonvolatile Acids
    Vaporization Rapidly undergo vaporization at normal room temperature due to high vapor pressure Cannot undergo vaporization at normal room temperature
    Examples Carbonic acid, which is produced in the body during digestion and excreted via the lungs Sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid, acetic acid, and lactic acid
    Excretion Volatile acids can be excreted from the body via ventilation, such as carbonic acid Nonvolatile acids are excreted via kidney and organs other than lungs
    Organic Acids Volatile acids mainly refer to organic acids that form inside the body due to digestion, diseases, or metabolism, and can also exist in grape juice, musts, and wine Nonvolatile acids are produced as byproducts of cellular processes and can be found in various organisms

    Volatile acids can undergo vaporization without heating or any external force, while nonvolatile acids cannot. The excretion of volatile acids (such as carbonic acid) occurs through ventilation, whereas nonvolatile acids are excreted through the kidney and other organs.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.