Final answer:
CH₃COOH is acetic acid, commonly used as a laboratory solvent, and CH₃OH is methanol, also a solvent but not suitable as an anesthetic. Halothane and ethyl chloride were used as anesthetics, but their usage is limited due to toxicity and environmental concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The molecular formula CH₃COOH represents acetic acid, which is not traditionally used as an anesthetic but is commonly utilized as a solvent in laboratory settings. Acetic acid is known for its characteristic vinegar smell and is used in various chemical reactions and processes. On the other hand, CH₃OH stands for methyl alcohol or methanol, which is a common laboratory solvent utilized for a variety of purposes including as a solvent for rubber, cleaning computer chips, and shaping plastics molds due to its ability to dissolve both organic compounds and various salts.
It should be noted that neither acetic acid nor methanol should be used as an anesthetic due to their toxic properties. Instead, compounds like halothane and ethyl chloride have been used as general and local anesthetics respectively. However, their use has been limited due to issues such as liver damage in the case of halothane, while ethyl chloride works by cooling the skin to cause numbness.