Understanding the Chemical Reaction Between Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

Understanding the Chemical Reaction Between Acetic Acid and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)

When acetic acid (CH3COOH) is combined with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), a neutralization reaction occurs. This article will explore the details of this chemical process, its applications, and the importance of stoichiometry in achieving complete neutralization.

Reactants and Products

Reactants: Acetic acid (CH3COOH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

Products: Sodium acetate (CH3COONa) and water (H2O)

Balanced Chemical Equation

The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:

CH3COOH NaOH → CH3COONa H2O

Reaction Details

Acetic acid is a weak acid, whereas sodium hydroxide is a strong base. In a neutralization reaction, a weak acid reacts with a strong base to form a salt and water. Here, the salt is sodium acetate (CH3COONa).

Type of Reaction

This reaction is a neutralization reaction, which is commonly used in various applications, including titrations and the preparation of buffer solutions.

Role in Buffer Solutions

A solution containing acetic acid and sodium acetate behaves as an acidic buffer. When sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is added, the buffer solution resists the change in pH. This is because the acetate ions (CH3COO-) can accept hydrogen ions (H ) from the solution, maintaining the pH.

Stoichiometry and Neutralization

For an acid and a base to neutralize each other, an equivalent number of moles is required, not the actual amounts. This means that the moles of acid and base added must be in a 1:1 ratio. For example, to completely neutralize acetic acid with NaOH:

CH3COOH NaOH → CH3COONa H2O

If you add exactly the stoichiometric amount of NaOH, the solution produced will be a weakly basic one. This is due to the fact that sodium acetate is the salt of a weak acid (CH3COOH) and a strong base (NaOH).

Conclusion

The reaction between acetic acid and sodium hydroxide is a fundamental example of a neutralization reaction. It is crucial to understand the importance of stoichiometry in achieving complete neutralization and the role of these reactions in the preparation of buffer solutions and other applications.

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