Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization
CH3COOH + NaOH → CH3COONa + H2O
Overview
Acetic acid (vinegar) reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium acetate and water. Because acetic acid is a weak acid (Ka = 1.8 × 10⁻⁵), the resulting solution is slightly basic at the equivalence point due to acetate ion hydrolysis. The heat of neutralization is slightly less than for strong acid-strong base pairs.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Acetic Acid CH₃COOH | 1 | (aq) |
| Reactant | Sodium Hydroxide NaOH | 1 | (aq) |
| Product | Water H₂O | 1 | (l) |
Everyday Example
Sodium acetate is used in hand warmers and hot ice demonstrations, where a supersaturated solution crystallizes exothermically.
Industrial Importance
Sodium acetate is used as a food preservative (E262), in the textile industry, and as a carbon source in wastewater treatment for biological nutrient removal.
Properties
- Type
- Acid-Base
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -56.1 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System
Acetic Acid Dissociation in Water
Aluminum Chloride and Chloride Ion (Lewis Acid-Base)
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Acid with NaOH
Aluminum Hydroxide as Amphoteric Base with HCl
Ammonia and Ammonium Chloride Buffer System
Ammonia and Hydrochloric Acid
Ascorbic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
Barium Hydroxide and Ammonium Thiocyanate (Endothermic)
Benzoic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization?
The balanced equation is: CH₃COOH + NaOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O.
What type of reaction is Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization?
Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization is a acid-base reaction.
Is Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization exothermic or endothermic?
Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -56.1 kJ/mol.