RE: [CH] is it possible to extract vinegar
Rob Lusk (rlusk12@earthlink.net)
Tue, 23 Nov 1999 14:00:30 -0800
Richard Stevens asked:
>I don't know if we have Chemists in the CH-Group, sorry I'm not just
>experimental, but if so someone could calculate what will happen and what
>will be the result if you mix equal parts of CH3COOH (vinegar) with
>NaOH....
Na+ (aq) OH- (aq) + CH3COOH (aq) <------> Na+ (aq) + CH3CO2- + H20 (l)
This is a classic Acid-Base Neutralization reaction.
NaOH is a strong Base and Acetic acid (vinegar) is a weak acid. Its
conjugate base CH3CO2- is a weak base.
The result of mixing these to in aqueous solution in equal parts (1mol of
each) will result in an aqueous salt and water.
A small fraction of the acetate ions produced by the neutralization
reaction will pick up protons from water and create
a very small amount of OH-, which will give you a weakly basic solution.
This reaction is quite reversible so an equilibrium will be reached. Testing
for pH will tell you how far to go.
Whew!
This is a very interesting idea that someone is "bound" to try.
You just gotta love chemistry.
Robert Lusk....
www.PepperFool.com
Recipes, Hot Sauce, Restaurant Reviews, Photos and more.