Formic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide
HCOOH + NaOH → HCOONa + H2O
Overview
Formic acid, the simplest carboxylic acid, reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium formate and water. Formic acid (Ka = 1.8 × 10⁻⁴) is about 10 times stronger than acetic acid. It was originally obtained by distillation from ants (Latin: formica).
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Formic Acid CH₂O₂ | 1 | (aq) |
| Reactant | Sodium Hydroxide NaOH | 1 | (aq) |
| Product | Water H₂O | 1 | (l) |
Everyday Example
Formic acid causes the burning sensation of ant bites and bee stings, which can be neutralized by applying a basic paste like baking soda.
Industrial Importance
Sodium formate is used as a de-icing agent for airport runways, as a leather tanning agent, and as a reducing agent in organic synthesis.
Properties
- Type
- Acid-Base
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -56.5 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Acetic Acid and Sodium Acetate Buffer System
Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide Neutralization
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)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Formic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?
The balanced equation is: HCOOH + NaOH → HCOONa + H₂O.
What type of reaction is Formic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide?
Formic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is a acid-base reaction.
Is Formic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide exothermic or endothermic?
Formic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -56.5 kJ/mol.