Acetate

Acetate, also known as ethanoate, is the salt or ester of acetic acid (vinegar). It is also an ion of acetic acid. It is formed when acetic acid dissolves in water (which splits into an acetate anion and a hydron). The chemical formula is  (also written as  or ) when it exists as an ion. Acetate salts turn brown when heated, and smell like acetic acid.

Acetate esters
Acetate esters have the chemical formula  (where R is an organic group like an alkyl or aryl group). It is made when acetic acid reacts with an alcohol to make an acetic ester and water.

The reaction between acetic acid and ethanol gives ethyl acetate and water:

 + CH3OH ⇌  + H2O

Acetate salts
Acetate salts are made when acetic acid reacts with a base (like sodium hydroxide).

The reaction between acetic acid and sodium hydroxide gives sodium acetate and water:

 + NaOH —>  + H2O

Examples
methyl acetate: 
ethyl acetate: 
sodium acetate: 
potassium acetate: 

Related pages
Protonation
Acid
Formate
Carboxylate
Carboxylic acid

Category:Carboxylate anions