Sodium acrylate (NaC3H3O2) readily reacts with water, forming an alkaline solution. This is because sodium acrylate is a salt of a weak acid (acrylic acid) and a strong base (sodium hydroxide).

Here's a breakdown of the reaction:

1. Hydrolysis: When sodium acrylate dissolves in water, the acrylate ion (C3H3O2-) undergoes hydrolysis. This means it reacts with water molecules, accepting a proton (H+) and forming acrylic acid (C3H3O2H).

2. Equilibrium: The hydrolysis reaction reaches an equilibrium, meaning some acrylate ions remain in solution while some have been converted to acrylic acid.

3. Alkaline Solution: The removal of protons from water molecules by acrylate ions leaves behind hydroxide ions (OH-). This excess of hydroxide ions makes the solution alkaline, giving it a pH value greater than 7.

Overall reaction:

NaC3H3O2(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ C3H3O2H(aq) + Na+(aq) + OH-(aq)

Summary:

* Sodium acrylate dissolves in water to form an alkaline solution.

* The reaction involves hydrolysis of the acrylate ion, leading to the formation of acrylic acid and hydroxide ions.

* The solution's alkalinity is due to the presence of excess hydroxide ions.