A compound of carbon which has acidic characteristic is used as preservative of pickles. This compound reacts with carbonates and bicarbonates to release a colourless gas. Identify the compound and the gas. Give equations for the reactions also.
The compound is ethanoic acid also known as acetic acid (CH3COOH). It is a weak organic acid. CH3COOH reacts with carbonates and bicarbonates to release CO2 which is a colourless gas. The reactions involved are:
2CH3COOH + Na2CO3→ 2CH3COONa + CO2↑ + H2O
CH3COOH + NaHCO3→ CH3COONa + CO2↑ + H2O