Ethanoic acid reacts with sodium hydrogencarbonate. Write the balanced chemical equation for this reaction and identify the gas evolved.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 01:07 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Balanced chemical equation:
$$\text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{NaHCO}_3 \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COONa} + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2\uparrow$$
Gas evolved: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the gas evolved. It turns lime-water milky, confirming its identity.
Source: Carbon and its Compounds, Section 4.4.2 – Reactions of ethanoic acid
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Explanation
- Examiners expect the balanced equation (1 mark) and identification of gas (1 mark) — both are needed for full credit.
- Write the upward arrow (↑) after CO₂ to indicate it is a gas; this is good exam practice.
- Mentioning the lime-water test is a bonus detail that strengthens the answer within the word limit.
- The products are sodium ethanoate (CH₃COONa), water, and CO₂ — do not omit any product.