CH3COOH, also known as acetic acid, is a weak organic acid that plays a crucial role in the context of electrolytes and the hydrolysis of salts. It is a common compound found in various chemical and biological processes.
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CH3COOH is a weak acid, meaning it only partially dissociates into ions (H+ and CH3COO-) when dissolved in water.
The dissociation of CH3COOH in water creates a buffered solution, which can resist changes in pH.
Salts formed from CH3COOH, such as sodium acetate (CH3COONa), undergo hydrolysis in water, producing a solution with a pH different from neutral.
The degree of hydrolysis for a salt of CH3COOH depends on the strength of the conjugate base (CH3COO-) and the pH of the solution.
CH3COOH is a common component in various household and industrial products, including vinegar, food preservatives, and cleaning agents.
Review Questions
Explain how the weak acid nature of CH3COOH contributes to the concept of electrolytes.
As a weak acid, CH3COOH only partially dissociates into ions (H+ and CH3COO-) when dissolved in water. This partial dissociation creates a solution that can conduct electricity, making CH3COOH an electrolyte. The equilibrium between the undissociated acid and the ions in the solution allows for the solution to resist changes in pH, a key property of electrolytes.
Describe the hydrolysis of a salt formed from CH3COOH, such as sodium acetate (CH3COONa), and how it affects the pH of the solution.
When a salt like sodium acetate (CH3COONa) is dissolved in water, it undergoes hydrolysis. The acetate ion (CH3COO-) from the salt acts as a conjugate base, reacting with water to produce hydroxide ions (OH-) and acetic acid (CH3COOH). This shift in the equilibrium results in a solution with a pH higher than neutral, as the presence of the hydroxide ions increases the pH of the solution. The degree of hydrolysis and the resulting pH depend on the strength of the conjugate base and the initial pH of the solution.
Analyze the role of CH3COOH in maintaining pH balance in biological systems and its importance in various applications.
$$ ext{CH}_{3} ext{COOH} \rightleftharpoons ext{H}^{+} + ext{CH}_{3} ext{COO}^{-} $$ CH3COOH is a key component in biological buffers that help maintain pH homeostasis in living organisms. Its ability to dissociate and form a conjugate base (CH3COO-) allows it to resist changes in pH, making it essential for regulating the acid-base balance in cells and bodily fluids. Additionally, the versatility of CH3COOH is evident in its widespread use in various industries, such as food preservation, cleaning products, and pharmaceuticals, where its pH-buffering and antimicrobial properties are leveraged to achieve desired outcomes.