How do you write the balanced neutralization equation for the reaction between acetic acid and sodium hydroxide?

1 Answer
LM
Jan 19, 2018

#C_2H_4O_2 + NaOH = C_2H_3O_2Na + H_2O#

Explanation:

acetic acid (ethanoic acid): #CH_3COOH#

#CH_3COOH = C_2H_4O_2#

sodium hydroxide: #NaOH#

neutralisation reactions always produce a salt and water.

in this case, the salt is sodium ethanoate
(#CH_3COONa, C_2H_3O_2Na#)

equation:

#C_2H_4O_2 + NaOH = C_2H_3O_2Na + H_2O#

carbon: #2# on the left, #2# on the right
sodium: #1# on the left, #1# on the right
hydrogen: #5# on the left, #5# on the right
oxygen: #3# on the left, #3# on the right.

this means that the equation is balanced, with #1:1:1:1# ratio.

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