What are the solute particles present in aqueous solutions of Acetic Acid?

When it's dissolved in water, does it only produce H^+, CH_3COO^- or more?

1 Answer
anor277
Jan 6, 2016

Hydronium ion, #H_3O^+#, acetic acid, and acetate ion.

Explanation:

#H_3C-C(=O)OH + H_2O rightleftharpoons H_3-C(=O)O^(-) + H_3O^+#

#pK_a# #=# #4.76#. The equilibrium would lie strongly to the left. Of course, the acidium or hydronium ion is very much a formalism. As far as anyone knows it is a cluster of water molecules with an extra #H^+# species. #H_3O^+# is our conception of this species.

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