As carboxylic acids are weak acids, they are able to partially dissociate in water to form an oxonium ion (H3O+) and a carboxylate ion (COO-):
HCOOH(aq) + H2O(l) <---- ----> H3O+(aq) + HCOO-(aq)
They're also able to react with bases to form salts (acid + base = salt + water):
CH3COOH(aq) + NaOH ----> CH3COO-Na+(aq) + H2O(l)
Although they're weak acids, carboxylic acids are able to react with carbonates to produce carbon dioxide. Sodium carbonate or sodium hydrogencarbonate are most commonly used:
2HCOOH(aq) + Na2CO3(aq) ----> 2HCOO-Na+(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)
This reaction produces bubbles fo carbon dioxide gas which can be tested with limewater, which will turn milky in the presence of CO2.
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