What are the products of this reaction: $HC_2H_3O_2 + NaHCO_3 ->$ ?

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Answer 1 · 2018-03-29T21:54:19

The theoretical equilibrium of these two species in solution is,

$CH_3COOH(aq) + HCO_3^(-)(aq) rightleftharpoons CH_3COO^(-)(aq) + H_2CO_3(aq)$

But we need to consult $pK_"a"$ values to understand what side the equilibrium favors.

Carbonic acid ( $H_2CO_3$ ) has a $pK_"a"$ of approximately $6.4$ , whereas acetic acid has a $pK_"a"$ of approximately $4.8$ .

Thus, the equilibrium lies to the right, but only by two or so orders of magnitude.

What are the products of this reaction: HC_2H_3O_2 + NaHCO_3 ->HC_2H_3O_2 + NaHCO_3 ->?