5j5 - 20-6-2006 at 09:32
What is (the salt?) being formed when you mix lye (sodium hydroxide) and vinegar (acetic acid)? I was thinking it might be sodium acetate, but I'm not
sure..
Nerro - 20-6-2006 at 09:43
It's sodium Acetate. The HO- (hydroyl) ion will snoop the proton from the COOH group on acetic acid (which is the acid in vinegar) to form water and
acetate ions. Leaving you with Na+ and H3C-COO- ions. If you evaporate the water you will be left with sodium acetate.
I'm pretty sure EVERY basic chemistry book describes this reaction as the most basic example of strong base - weak acid interaction. And if not google
is your friend.
5j5 - 20-6-2006 at 09:58
ok. Thanks 
I did try google.. I found one example of sodium bicarbonate + acetic
acid -> sodium acetate + water + carbon dioxide, but I didn't find out what is the difference when using sodium hydroxide instead of sodium
bicarbonate..
[Edited on 20-6-2006 by 5j5]
Nerro - 20-6-2006 at 11:01
Only the CO2 really...
carbonates are usually formed by this reaction;
CO<sub>2</sub> + 2HO<sup>-</sup> <--> CO<sub>3</sub><sup>2-</sup> + H<sub>2</sub>O