Final answer:
Vinegar is made by fermenting alcoholic liquids, primarily containing acetic acid. Fermentation of apple juice without oxygen by yeast cells leads to cider vinegar, a common type of vinegar.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vinegar is made from alcoholic liquids such as cider and honey that undergo fermentation. The main component of vinegar is acetic acid (CH3CO2H), which usually constitutes 3-6% of vinegar. Cider vinegar, for instance, is produced by fermenting apple juice in an oxygen-free environment. During fermentation, yeast cells convert the sugars in the juice into alcohol (ethanol), and then a second fermentation process turns the alcohol into acetic acid.
Moreover, acetic acid is not just used for culinary purposes; it's an important chemical in the production of various materials. It's an effective solvent for organic and some inorganic substances and is crucial for synthesizing cellulose acetate, used in creating synthetic fibers like rayon. Furthermore, vinegar is a versatile household item, being employed in over 150 different ways, from cleaning to cooking.