Question

Aqueous solution of sodium acetate is:
A.Neutral
B.Polar
C.Strongly acidic
D.Alkaline

Answer 1

Hint: This question gives the knowledge about the saponification or the hydrolysis of the acetate. The hydrolysis of acetate results in breaking of an ester bond due to hydroxide ion or a water molecule to form an alcohol and a carboxylic acid.

Complete answer:
Aqueous solution of sodium acetate means the sodium acetate is present in water. The aqueous solution of sodium acetate experiences hydrolysis of acetate. The hydrolysis of acetate results in breaking of an ester bond due to hydroxide ion or a water molecule to form an alcohol and a carboxylic acid. When sodium acetate reacts with water, it leads to the formation of acetic acid and sodium hydroxide. The chemical equation for the reaction is as follows:
 $C{H}_{3}COONa+H_{2}O\to NaOH+C{H}_{3}COOH$
In the above reaction, sodium hydroxide is a strong base and acetic acid is a weak acid. So, the over solution of sodium acetate becomes alkaline in nature.

Hence, option D is correct.

Additional information:
 The saponification of acetate is the process that leads to the conversion of fat or a lipid into alcohol and soaps in the presence of alkali. The chemical equation for the following reaction is:
$C{H}_{3}COO{C}_2{H}_5+H_{2}O\to C_2{H}_{5}OH+C{H}_{3}COOH$
Where $C{H}_{3}COOH$ is acetic acid, $C_2{H}_{5}OH$ is ethanol, $C{H}_{3}COO{C}_2{H}_5$ is ethyl acetate and $H_{2}O$ is water.
This process is also named as the hydrolysis of acetate molecules. The hydrolysis of acetate results in breaking of an ester bond due to hydroxide ion or a water molecule to form an alcohol and a carboxylic acid.

Note:
You should have the complete knowledge about the hydrolysis of acetate. The hydrolysis of acetate results in breaking of an ester bond due to hydroxide ion or a water molecule to form an alcohol and a carboxylic acid.