Table of Contents
Acetate Formula Introduction
The acetate ion has the chemical formula CH₃COO⁻. It represents a negatively charged polyatomic ion composed of two carbon atoms (C), three hydrogen atoms (H), and two oxygen atoms (O).
Formula Structure of Acetate Formula
The acetate ion consists of a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. The carbon atom is also double-bonded to one oxygen atom, forming a carboxyl group (-COO⁻). This structure gives the acetate ion a negative charge.
Physical Properties of Acetate Formula
Molecular Weight: The molecular weight of acetate is approximately 59.04 g/mol.
State: Acetate exists as a solid at room temperature, specifically as salts or esters.
Solubility: Most acetate salts and esters are highly soluble in water.
Odor: Acetate compounds often have distinctive odors, such as the characteristic smell of vinegar (acetic acid).
Chemical Properties of Acetate Formula
Reactivity: Acetate ions are relatively stable and do not readily react with other substances. However, they can participate in various chemical reactions due to the presence of the carboxyl group (-COOH).
- Acidic Nature: Acetate ions can act as weak acids. When dissolved in water, they release hydrogen ions (H⁺), leading to a slightly acidic solution.
Ester Formation: Acetate is commonly involved in ester formation reactions. By reacting acetic acid with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst, an ester is produced. For example, the reaction between acetic acid and ethanol yields ethyl acetate. - Equation: CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH → CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O
- Salt Formation: Acetate ions can combine with various cations to form acetate salts. For instance, sodium acetate (CH₃COONa) is formed by the reaction of acetic acid with sodium hydroxide.
- Equation: CH₃COOH + NaOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O
- Decomposition: When heated to high temperatures, acetate compounds can decompose and produce acetic acid or its derivatives. This process is known as pyrolysis.
It is important to note that acetate compounds have a wide range of applications in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, food, and chemical manufacturing.
Solved examples on the Acetate Formula
Example 1: What is the concentration of acetate ions in a solution containing 0.25 moles of sodium acetate (CH₃COONa) in 500 mL of solution?
Solution:
The concentration of acetate ions can be calculated using the formula:
Concentration (M) = Number of moles / Volume (L)
Given:
Number of moles of sodium acetate (CH₃COONa) = 0.25 moles
Volume of solution = 500 mL = 0.5 L
Concentration of acetate ions (CH₃COO⁻) = 0.25 moles / 0.5 L = 0.5 M
Therefore, the concentration of acetate ions in the solution is 0.5 M.
Example 2: Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) reacts with acetic acid (CH₃COOH) to form calcium acetate (Ca(CH₃COO)₂) and water (H₂O). Write the balanced chemical equation for this reaction.
Solution:
The balanced chemical equation is obtained by ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
Ca(OH)₂ + 2CH₃COOH → Ca(CH₃COO)₂ + 2H₂O
The balanced equation is:
Ca(OH)₂ + 2CH₃COOH → Ca(CH₃COO)₂ + 2H₂O
Frequently Asked Questions on Acetate
Is acetate basic or acidic?
Acetate is slightly basic.
What is acetate used for?
Acetate is used in many things, like making plastics, medicines, and cleaning products.
What is acetate formula?
The formula for acetate is CH3COO-.
Why is it called acetate?
It's called acetate because it comes from acetic acid, which is in vinegar. Acetate is like a part of acetic acid.
What is the symbol for acetate?
The symbol for acetate is CH3COO-.
What is called CH3COO?
CH3COO is the chemical formula for acetate. It shows the atoms that make up acetate.
What are the properties of acetate salt?
Acetate salts are usually white and can dissolve in water. They also have a mild smell.
Is acetate soluble in water?
Yes, acetate is usually soluble in water, which means it can dissolve in water easily.
