Question

What are the products of this reaction: `HC_2H_3O_2 + NaHCO_3 ->`?

Answer 1

The theoretical equilibrium of these two species in solution is,

`CH_3COOH(aq) + HCO_3^(-)(aq) rightleftharpoons CH_3COO^(-)(aq) + H_2CO_3(aq)`

But we need to consult `pK_"a"` values to understand what side the equilibrium favors.

Carbonic acid (`H_2CO_3`) has a `pK_"a"` of approximately `6.4`, whereas acetic acid has a `pK_"a"` of approximately `4.8`.

Thus, the equilibrium lies to the right, but only by two or so orders of magnitude.