Describe the reactions of ethanoic acid with (i) ethanol, (ii) sodium hydroxide and (iii) sodium hydrogencarbonate. Write the equations and name the products.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Open in one line.Ethanoic acid, CH₃COOH, is a weak carboxylic acid; a 5 to 8% solution in water is vinegar.
2 · With ethanol (esterification). With an acid catalyst: CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH → CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O. Ethyl ethanoate is a sweet-smelling ester.
3 · With sodium hydroxide.NaOH + CH₃COOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O: sodium ethanoate and water (neutralisation).
4 · With sodium hydrogencarbonate.CH₃COOH + NaHCO₃ → CH₃COONa + H₂O + CO₂, with brisk effervescence.
5 · Draw the gas test. Draw a test tube of ethanoic acid with sodium hydrogencarbonate, and a delivery tube leading into lime water that turns milky. Label: ethanoic acid, sodium hydrogencarbonate, delivery tube, lime water.
6 · Link to real life. Vinegar preserves pickles, and esters are used in perfumes and flavours.
7 · Close in one line. So ethanoic acid behaves like other acids, and also forms esters with alcohols.
Scoring tip: Name every product: ethyl ethanoate, sodium ethanoate, carbon dioxide. Products without names lose marks.
