7.2.8—Salts are formed in neutralisation reactions
- Syllabus
- 9701–2028–2029
- Objective
- 7.2.8
- Level
- AS
Neutralisation produces salts whose ions may affect pH
A salt forms when the acidic proton is replaced by a metal ion or ammonium ion. The salt remains in solution as ions, and some ions can react with water by hydrolysis.
The parent acid and base determine whether the salt solution is approximately neutral, acidic or basic. Do not infer pH from the word “salt” alone.
NaCl from strong acid/strong base is approximately neutral. CH₃COONa contains acetate, the conjugate base of a weak acid, so acetate can accept protons from water and make the solution basic.
Salt formation is not the same as complete removal of every proton from every acid. Polyprotic acids and weak conjugate ions need separate analysis.
ConceptA-Level CAIE Chemistry AS