What is the Difference Between Aniline and Acetanilide?

Aniline and acetanilide are both nitrogen-containing organic compounds, but they have different chemical structures, physical properties, and uses. The key differences between them include:

1. Structure: Aniline is an aromatic amine with the chemical formula C6H5NH2, while acetanilide is an aromatic amide with the chemical formula C8H9NO. The difference in their functional groups leads to variations in their physical and chemical properties.
2. Basicity: Aniline is more basic than acetanilide due to its higher electron density on the nitrogen atom. Acetanilide is very weakly basic compared to aniline.
3. Physical State: Aniline is a yellowish-brown oily liquid at room temperature, while acetanilide is a solid compound.
4. Uses: Aniline has several industrial applications, including the preparation of other chemical substances such as photographic and agricultural chemicals, polymers, dyes, and in the rubber and dye industries. It is also used as a solvent and an antiknock compound for gasoline. Acetanilide is mainly used as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and dyes, as an additive in hydrogen peroxide, varnishes, and cellulose ester, as a plasticizer in the polymer industry, and as an accelerator in the rubber industry.
5. Toxicity: Aniline is a highly toxic substance that can cause severe health problems, including skin irritation, respiratory distress, and even cancer if not handled with care. Acetanilide is a synthetic compound derived from aniline and is used as an analgesic and antipyretic agent.

Comparative Table: Aniline vs Acetanilide

Aniline and acetanilide are both benzene derivatives with different functional groups. Here is a table comparing their differences:

Aniline is an aromatic amine, while acetanilide is an aromatic amide. Aniline is moderately basic, whereas acetanilide is very weakly basic. The melting and boiling points of aniline and acetanilide also differ. Aniline is produced from nitrobenzene or chlorobenzene, while acetanilide is produced from aniline. Both compounds have various industrial applications, such as in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other chemical substances.