Question

consider the incomplete reaction below.
naoh + x —→ nach₃coo + h₂o
what is x in this reaction?
○ nh₄oh
○ h₃po₄
○ h₂co₃
○ ch₃cooh

Explanation:

This is a neutralization reaction (acid - base reaction) where a base ($\ce{NaOH}$) reacts with an acid to form a salt ($\ce{NaCH3COO}$) and water ($\ce{H2O}$). The salt formed is sodium acetate ($\ce{NaCH3COO}$), which comes from the reaction of sodium hydroxide ($\ce{NaOH}$) with acetic acid ($\ce{CH3COOH}$). The reaction is $\ce{NaOH + CH3COOH -> NaCH3COO + H2O}$. $\ce{NH4OH}$ is a base, $\ce{H3PO4}$ would form a phosphate salt, and $\ce{H2CO3}$ would form a carbonate salt, none of which match the product $\ce{NaCH3COO}$.

Answer:

D. $\ce{CH3COOH}$