acetic acid; acetate; also known as 乙酸 yǐ​suān

(bound form) Used in chemistry to refer to the ethyl group.

A type of organic compound formed by the reaction of an alcohol and an acid with the loss of water. Low molecular weight esters are typically fragrant liquids used as solvents or flavorings, while high molecular weight esters are solids or thick liquids found in fats and oils.