Write an equation to represent the dissociation of propionic acid (CH3CH2COOH) in water. (Type your answer using the format H2O for H2O and [NH4]+ for NH4+. Use the lowest possible coefficients.)
CH3CH2COOH + H2O ==> CH3COO- + [H3O]+
What is an equation to represent the dissociation of propionic acid (CH3CH2COOH) in water?
To write the equation representing the dissociation of propionic acid (CH3CH2COOH) in water, we need to break down the acid into its ions. Propionic acid is a weak acid, meaning it does not dissociate completely in water. It donates a proton (H+) and forms the propionate ion (CH3CH2COO-) and a hydronium ion (H3O+).
The equation for the dissociation of propionic acid in water can be written as:
CH3CH2COOH + H2O ⇌ CH3CH2COO- + H3O+
In this equation, the propionic acid (CH3CH2COOH) reacts with water (H2O) to form the propionate ion (CH3CH2COO-) and the hydronium ion (H3O+). The double arrow (⇌) indicates that the reaction can proceed in both directions, meaning there is a dynamic equilibrium between the reactants and products.