Who synthesised acetic acid for the first time ?

Kolbe

The correct answer is option 4. Kolbe.

August Wilhelm von Hofmann and Hermann Kolbe together synthesized acetic acid for the first time in 1845. Hermann Kolbe is often credited with this accomplishment.

Hermann Kolbe was a German chemist who made significant contributions to organic chemistry. In 1845, Kolbe, along with his mentor August Wilhelm von Hofmann, successfully synthesized acetic acid from inorganic starting materials in a landmark experiment. This synthesis marked a crucial milestone in organic chemistry, as it demonstrated that organic compounds could be synthesized from inorganic precursors through purely chemical means, rather than being exclusively derived from living organisms.

Kolbe and Hofmann's synthesis of acetic acid involved starting with carbon disulfide \((CS_2)\) and chlorine \((Cl_2)\) and using them to prepare chloroacetic acid \((ClCH_2COOH)\). Through further reactions, chloroacetic acid was converted into acetic acid \((CH_3COOH)\). This process demonstrated that organic acids like acetic acid could be synthesized from inorganic compounds, challenging the prevailing theory of vitalism, which suggested that organic compounds could only be derived from living organisms.

Kolbe and Hofmann's synthesis of acetic acid was a groundbreaking achievement that contributed to the development of synthetic organic chemistry. It paved the way for the synthesis of numerous organic compounds from inorganic starting materials, leading to significant advancements in various scientific and industrial fields.

Kolbe's work laid the foundation for the field of synthetic organic chemistry, enabling scientists to synthesize a wide range of organic compounds in the laboratory. His contributions helped revolutionize our understanding of the nature of organic compounds and opened up new avenues for research and technological innovation.

In summary, Hermann Kolbe, along with August Wilhelm von Hofmann, synthesized acetic acid for the first time in 1845, demonstrating that organic compounds could be synthesized from inorganic precursors through purely chemical means. This accomplishment marked a significant advancement in organic chemistry and laid the groundwork for further developments in the field.