# Ethanoic acid is a carboxylic acid found in vinegar. Describe what is observed when ethanoic acid is added to sodium carbonate solution, and explain why this reaction occurs.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 10.3 Alcohols and carboxylic acids (Chem only) · Describe and Explain · 4 marks

> Vinegar contains ethanoic acid, which has the functional group –COOH. Sodium carbonate solution is an aqueous solution of Na₂CO₃.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Bubbles / effervescence are produced
2. Carbon dioxide gas is produced / released
3. Ethanoic acid reacts with / donates a proton to sodium carbonate because it is an acid (or: carboxylic acids react with carbonates)
4. A salt (sodium ethanoate) and water are also produced, showing this is an acid–carbonate reaction

## Key terms

- [carboxylic acid](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carboxylic-acid)
- [carbonate](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/carbonate)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe and Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/ethanoic-acid-is-a-carboxylic-acid-037240b5) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.