Here's the balanced chemical equation:
C₇H₆O₃ (s) + NaOH (aq) → C₇H₅O₃Na (aq) + H₂O (l)
Where:
* C₇H₆O₃ represents salicylic acid (solid)
* NaOH represents sodium hydroxide (aqueous solution)
* C₇H₅O₃Na represents sodium salicylate (aqueous solution)
* H₂O represents water (liquid)
Explanation:
* The hydrogen ion (H⁺) from the carboxyl group (-COOH) of salicylic acid is removed by the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) from sodium hydroxide.
* This forms a salt, sodium salicylate (C₇H₅O₃Na), and water (H₂O).
This reaction is commonly used in the synthesis of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), where salicylic acid is reacted with acetic anhydride.
