CH3COONa

Definition

CH3COONa, also known as sodium acetate, is a chemical compound that is formed when the weak acid acetic acid (CH3COOH) reacts with the strong base sodium hydroxide (NaOH). It is a common salt that is widely used in various applications, including in the context of the hydrolysis of salts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. When CH3COONa is dissolved in water, it undergoes hydrolysis, producing a basic solution with a pH greater than 7.
2. The hydrolysis of CH3COONa is an example of the hydrolysis of a salt formed from a weak acid and a strong base.
3. The acetate ion (CH3COO-) from the dissociation of CH3COONa reacts with water, accepting a proton (H+) to form acetic acid (CH3COOH) and hydroxide ions (OH-).
4. The presence of the hydroxide ions (OH-) in the solution increases the pH, making the solution basic.
5. The extent of hydrolysis and the resulting pH of the solution depend on the relative strengths of the acid and base components of the salt.

Review Questions

• Explain the hydrolysis reaction of CH3COONa in water and its impact on the pH of the solution.
  • When CH3COONa is dissolved in water, it undergoes hydrolysis. The acetate ion (CH3COO-) from the dissociation of CH3COONa reacts with water, accepting a proton (H+) to form acetic acid (CH3COOH) and hydroxide ions (OH-). This increase in hydroxide ion concentration raises the pH of the solution, making it basic. The extent of hydrolysis and the resulting pH depend on the relative strengths of the acid and base components of the salt.
• Analyze the relationship between the strength of the acid and base components of CH3COONa and the degree of hydrolysis.
  • The degree of hydrolysis for CH3COONa is determined by the relative strengths of the acid and base components. Since acetic acid (CH3COOH) is a weak acid and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base, the acetate ion (CH3COO-) from the dissociation of CH3COONa is a relatively weak base. This means that the hydrolysis reaction will not go to completion, and the solution will have a pH that is slightly basic, but not as high as it would be if the salt was formed from a strong base and a weak acid.
• Evaluate the importance of understanding the hydrolysis of salts, such as CH3COONa, in the context of chemistry and its applications.
  • Understanding the hydrolysis of salts, like CH3COONa, is crucial in chemistry because it allows us to predict the pH and the properties of the resulting solutions. This knowledge has practical applications in various fields, such as in the control of pH in industrial processes, the development of buffer solutions, and the understanding of biological systems where the hydrolysis of salts plays a role in maintaining the appropriate pH for various metabolic reactions. By comprehending the principles of salt hydrolysis, chemists can better design and manipulate chemical systems to achieve desired outcomes.

Related terms

Hydrolysis:

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction where a compound is broken down by the addition of water, resulting in the formation of two or more new compounds.

Weak Acid:

A weak acid is an acid that only partially dissociates in water, producing a relatively low concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the solution.

Strong Base: A strong base is a base that completely dissociates in water, producing a high concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) in the solution.