Answer to Question #125388 in Organic Chemistry for Kayleigh

Question

(i).A solution of CH3CO2Na in water is slightly basic because

Answer 1

CH₃COONa is a salt formed by a strong base and a relatively weak acid. In water this salt dissociates into ions:

CH₃COONa --> CH₃COO^- + Na⁺

Then, due to partial hydrolysis of CH₃COO^- ions, OH^- ions are formed:

CH₃COO^- + H₂O <--> CH₃COOH + OH^-

This process increases the concentration of OH^- ions and hence the water solution of CH₃COONa is slightly basic.