What are the salts formed from Ethanoic acid called?

Salts formed from Ethanoic acid are generally known as ethanoates or, more commonly, acetates.

When Ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH), also known as acetic acid, reacts with a base (like a metal hydroxide, carbonate, or hydrogencarbonate), the hydrogen atom in the carboxyl group (-COOH) is replaced by a metal ion or ammonium ion. The resulting anion, CH₃COO⁻, is called the ethanoate ion or acetate ion. The salt formed contains this ion.

Understanding Ethanoate/Acetate Salts

The terms "ethanoate" and "acetate" refer to the same chemical group derived from ethanoic acid. "Acetate" is the more traditional and frequently used name, especially in the context of common salts like sodium acetate. "Ethanoate" follows the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) systematic naming convention based on the parent alkane (ethane).

Formation of Acetate Salts

As highlighted in the reference provided, Ethanoic acid reacts with substances like carbonates and hydrogencarbonates to produce these salts. For example:

• Reaction with Sodium Bicarbonate (Sodium Hydrogencarbonate):
  CH₃COOH + NaHCO₃ → CH₃COONa + H₂O + CO₂

  Here, the salt produced is sodium acetate (CH₃COONa). The reference specifically mentions this as the commonly known salt formed in this reaction, along with water and carbon dioxide gas.

• Reaction with Sodium Hydroxide:
  CH₃COOH + NaOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O

  This acid-base neutralization also forms sodium acetate.

Common Examples of Acetate Salts

Acetate salts are versatile compounds with various uses. Some common examples include:

• Sodium Acetate (CH₃COONa): Used in heating pads ("hot ice"), as a food additive (E262) to regulate acidity, and in various industrial applications.
• Potassium Acetate (CH₃COOK): Used as a de-icing agent, a food additive, and in fire extinguishers.
• Calcium Acetate ((CH₃COO)₂Ca): Used as a food additive (E263) and in the production of acetone.
• Lead(II) Acetate ((CH₃COO)₂Pb): Historically known as "sugar of lead" due to its sweet taste (highly toxic!).

Summary Table

Acid	Anion Name	Common Salt Name (Example)	Chemical Formula (Example)
Ethanoic Acid	Ethanoate / Acetate	Sodium Acetate	CH₃COONa
(Acetic Acid)		Potassium Acetate	CH₃COOK
		Calcium Acetate	(CH₃COO)₂Ca

In conclusion, the salts formed from Ethanoic acid are typically named ethanoates or acetates, with "acetate" being the more frequently encountered term in general use and specifically highlighted in the provided reference with the example of sodium acetate.