What is Acetate?
Acetate is a molecule with the formula C2H4O2. Acetate is salt generated when acetic acid and a base combine (e.g. alkaline, earthy, metallic, nonmetallic or radical base). The term “acetate” also refers to the conjugate base or ion (particularly, the negatively charged ion known as an anion) that is generally present in an aqueous solution. Hydrogen acetate (also known as acetic acid) and its salts, esters, and the polyatomic anion CH3CO2 – or CH3COO– are the simplest.
The vast majority of the nearly 5 billion kg of acetic acid produced annually in the industry is utilized in the manufacturing of acetates, which are typically polymers. Acetate is the most frequent biosynthetic building ingredient in nature.
Structure Of Acetate (C2H3O2−)
Acetate Anion Acetate Ester
Properties of Acetate (C2H3O2−)
| Acetate | C2H3O2− |
| Molecular Weight of Acetate | 59.044 g/mol |
| Monoisotopic Mass of Acetate | 59.013 g/mol |
| Complexity | 25.5 |
| Conjugate acid | Acetic acid |
Acetate Molecular Formula
Acetate Molecular Formula is C2H3O2–
Chemical Properties of Acetate – (C2H3O2−)
Acetate reacts with sodium hydroxide
The reaction of sodium acetate with soda lime (NaOH + CaO) produces methane and sodium carbonate. This reaction, known as decarboxylation, is one of the most common ways to produce alkanes.
CH3COONa + NaOH → CH4 + Na2CO3
Acetate reacts with Water
The ionization of water into hydroxide anions and hydrogen cations occurs spontaneously. In water, sodium acetate dissociates into sodium ions and acetate ions. A very minimal reaction occurs between sodium ions and hydroxide ions, whereas acetate ions mix with hydrogen ions to form acetic acid.
Fermentation of Acetate
Carbon dioxide and methane are produced through the dismutation of acetic acid.
CH3COO− + H+ → CH4 + CO2 ΔG° = −36 kJ/mol
The reaction occurs in the presence of methanogen archaea as a catalyst. The transfer of one electron from the carboxyl group to the methyl group of acetic acid produces carbon dioxide and methane gas.
Uses Of Acetate (C2H3O2−)
- As a solvent, acetate is used in paints, inks, and coatings.
- Cellulose acetate is used in the construction of eyeglass frames.
- It is used for diapers.
- Potassium acetate is used as a preservative in food.
- It is used in labs.
- Aluminum acetate is used as an astringent.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q.1 What is the difference between acetate and acetic acid?
Acetate is an anion having a net negative electric charge, whereas acetic acid is a neutral molecule. Acetic acid is an organic molecule that contributes to the production of vinegar, while acetate ion is the conjugate base of acetic acid.
Q.2 Is Acetate an acid or a base?
The acetate ion will deprotonate water, hence increasing the solution’s pH, as sodium acetate is a basic salt. In the neutralization reaction between a strong base and a weak acid, the basic salt is produced.
Q.3 What are the advantages of acetate?
This is one of the most flexible and wrinkle-resistant fabrics.
ADVANTAGES:
It has a premium appearance and feels.
The colors can fade or bleed, they are susceptible to heat, and the fibers are generally inferior.
Wash acetate garments by hand with warm water and mild detergent.
Q.4 What is an acetate example?
The acetate complexes chromium(II) acetate and zinc acetate are examples. Commercially significant acetate salts include aluminum acetate, which is used in the dyeing process, ammonium acetate, which is a precursor to acetamide, and potassium acetate, which is used as a diuretic. Each of the three salts is transparent and very soluble in water.
Q.5 What is acetate used for?
Numerous goods, including cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and fabrics, include acetate.
It is also used in canned, processed, prepackaged, fermented, and condensed foods.
Due to the anti-cracking qualities of sodium acetate, acetate is also used in condiments such as mustard.
