write the equation for the neutralization of benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide NaOH. Name the salt produced in this reaction
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
quation for the neutralization of benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide:C6H5COOH+NaOH→C6H5COONa+H2O\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COOH} + \text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{COONa} + \text{H}_2\text{O}C6H5COOH+NaOH→C6H5COONa+H2O
Name of the salt produced: Sodium benzoate
Explanation:
When a carboxylic acid reacts with a base, a neutralization reaction occurs, forming a salt and water. Benzoic acid (C₆H₅COOH) is an aromatic carboxylic acid consisting of a benzene ring (C₆H₅–) attached to a carboxyl group (–COOH). Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base that dissociates completely in aqueous solution to give sodium ions (Na⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
In the neutralization process, the hydrogen ion (H⁺) from the carboxylic acid reacts with the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) from the base to form water (H₂O). Meanwhile, the remaining part of the acid molecule, the benzoate ion (C₆H₅COO⁻), combines with the sodium ion (Na⁺) to form the salt, sodium benzoate (C₆H₅COONa).
This reaction is a typical acid-base neutralization where an organic acid (benzoic acid) reacts with an inorganic base (sodium hydroxide). The resulting salt, sodium benzoate, is an ionic compound made up of the sodium cation (Na⁺) and the benzoate anion (C₆H₅COO⁻). Sodium benzoate is commonly used as a food preservative due to its antimicrobial properties.
The complete balanced chemical equation reflects a 1:1 molar ratio between the acid and the base, meaning that one mole of benzoic acid reacts with one mole of sodium hydroxide to produce one mole of sodium benzoate and one mole of water. This stoichiometric relationship is important in laboratory and industrial settings for precise formulation and chemical synthesis.
