Question

Fill in the blanks by using the correct words/terms given in the brackets.

An aqueous solution of sodium acetate has ___ nature. (acidic/basic)

Answer 1

Salts can be classified as acidic and basic based on the acids and bases from which they are formed. Generally, salts formed from a weak acid and a strong base will be basic in nature, and the salts formed from a strong acid and a weak base will be acidic in nature.

Sodium acetate $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COONa}\right)$ is a salt formed from a weak acid [Acetic acid $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}\right)$] and a strong base [Sodium hydroxide $\left(\mathrm{NaOH}\right)$]. It dissociates in water to form Sodium ions $\left({\mathrm{Na}}^{+}\right)$ and Acetate ions $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{COO}}^{-}\right)$.

The dissociation can be given as:

${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COONa}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to {\mathrm{CH}}_3{\mathrm{COO}}^{-}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{Na}}^{+}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)$

The Acetate ions in the solution react with the Hydrogen ions of water to form Acetic acid $\left({\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}\right)$ along with Hydroxide ions $\left({\mathrm{OH}}^{-}\right)$.

Therefore, the solution of Sodium acetate has a basic nature.