Chemistry Carboxylic Acids MDCAT 2011
PMDC Verified Question 89 of 94
Consider the following reaction:
\( \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{Mg}_{(\text{metal})} \longrightarrow \text{?} \)
What product will form?
A
Magnesium formate
B
Magnesium ion
C
Magnesium acetate
D
Carboxylate ion
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option C: Magnesium acetate
Concept:

Active metals like magnesium react with weak organic acids like acetic acid to displace hydrogen gas and form a metal salt.

Formula:

$$ 2\text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{Mg} \longrightarrow (\text{CH}_3\text{COO})_2\text{Mg} + \text{H}_2\uparrow $$

Solution:

  • Acetic acid (\( \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} \)) donates its acidic proton.


  • Magnesium, being a highly reactive alkaline earth metal, replaces the hydrogen to form the salt magnesium acetate.


Why other options are incorrect:

Magnesium formate would require formic acid as a reactant. "Magnesium ion" and "Carboxylate ion" are incomplete answers as they do not name the isolated salt compound formed.

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