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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: thaefathan on February 28, 2011, 05:07:54 AM

Title: Wine
Post by: thaefathan on February 28, 2011, 05:07:54 AM

Hi,
 What is the mechanism of wine going sour after the bottle has been opened?  I'm guessing it's oxidation of EtOH to MeCOOH, but what exactly causes this?
 Thank you

Title: Re: Wine
Post by: Nobby on February 28, 2011, 06:11:17 AM

This is caused by some bacteria: acetic acid bacteria.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acetic_acid_bacteria