Methanoic acid reacts with aqueous potassium hydroxide - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 23 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 23
Methanoic acid reacts with aqueous potassium hydroxide. A salt is produced in this reaction.
(a) Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction.
(b) Is the s... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Methanoic acid reacts with aqueous potassium hydroxide - HSC - SSCE Chemistry - Question 23 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction.
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Answer
The reaction between methanoic acid (HCOOH) and potassium hydroxide (KOH) produces potassium methanoate (HCOOK) and water (H2O). The balanced chemical equation is:
HCOOH+KOH→HCOOK+H2O
Step 2
Is the salt acidic, basic or neutral? Justify your answer.
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Answer
The salt, potassium methanoate (HCOOK), is basic. This is because it is derived from a strong base (potassium hydroxide) and a weak acid (methanoic acid). When dissolved in water, it can hydrolyze to produce hydroxide ions, leading to a basic solution. Thus, the presence of K+ ions does not affect the acidity, while the methanoate ions (HCOO-) can accept protons, resulting in a basic solution.
