Question

What will happen if we drop a few drop off an phenolepthaline in in sodium acetate solution?

Answer 1

I don't think anything happens...

Explanation:

Since sodium acetate is the conjugate base of acetic acid `(CH_3COOH)`, then it would be a neutral salt. However, it is formed by the reaction of sodium hydroxide `(NaOH)` and acetic acid `(CH_3COOH)`. The reaction is as follows:

`CH_3COOH(aq)+NaOH(aq)->CH3COONa(aq)+H_2O(l)`

Acetic acid is a weak acid, while sodium hydroxide is a strong base.

So, it looks to me like if an aqueous sodium acetate solution was created, it would be slightly basic, and therefore would turn phenolphthalein pink.

Source:

https://www.quora.com/Is-sodium-acetate-classified-as-an-acid-or-a-base