Write the chemical formula for the acetate ion
The correct answer and explanation is :
The chemical formula for the acetate ion is CH₃COO⁻.
Explanation:
The acetate ion is the conjugate base of acetic acid (CH₃COOH), which is a common organic acid. The acetate ion forms when acetic acid loses a proton (H⁺) from its carboxyl group (-COOH). The structure and composition of the acetate ion can be broken down as follows:
- Molecular Structure:
The acetate ion consists of two key components:
- A methyl group (CH₃), which is a small alkyl group attached to the rest of the ion.
- A carboxylate group (COO⁻), which is derived from the carboxyl group of acetic acid. The carboxyl group is typically made up of a carbon double-bonded to an oxygen (C=O), and a single bond to another oxygen (C–O). This latter oxygen carries a negative charge, resulting in the overall negative charge of the acetate ion.
- Charge Distribution:
The negative charge on the acetate ion resides on the oxygen atom attached to the carbon of the carboxylate group. The negative charge is delocalized between the two oxygen atoms, which helps stabilize the ion. This delocalization of the charge is what makes the acetate ion relatively stable in solution. - Chemical Formula:
The formula CH₃COO⁻ reflects the following:
- CH₃ represents the methyl group.
- COO⁻ represents the negatively charged carboxylate group.
- Formation:
When acetic acid dissociates in water, it releases a proton (H⁺) from the carboxyl group, leaving behind the acetate ion. This makes acetate a common conjugate base in acid-base reactions.
In conclusion, the acetate ion, with the formula CH₃COO⁻, plays a vital role in various chemical reactions, particularly in biological and industrial processes, where it can act as a ligand or as a component of salt formation.