Is CH3COONa an acid or a base?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking whether sodium acetate (CH3COONa) is classified as an acid or a base, which relates to its behavior in aqueous solution and its chemical properties.

Answer

A salt that forms a basic solution in water.

Sodium acetate (CH3COONa) is a salt. When dissolved in water, it hydrolyzes to form a basic solution.

Answer for screen readers

Sodium acetate (CH3COONa) is a salt. When dissolved in water, it hydrolyzes to form a basic solution.

More Information

Sodium acetate is formed from the reaction of a weak acid, acetic acid (CH3COOH), and a strong base, sodium hydroxide (NaOH). In water, it hydrolyzes to produce acetate ions (CH3COO-) which interact with water to form hydroxide ions (OH-), leading to a basic solution.

Tips

A common mistake is to categorize sodium acetate as strictly an acid or base without considering its behavior in water.

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