For the reaction of hypochlorous acid and sodium acetate, are the products or reactants favored?

Question

For the reaction of hypochlorous acid and sodium acetate, are the products or reactants favored?

Question 6 options:

a.	Reactants
b.	Products

Answer 1

HClO + CH₃COONa ==> CH₃COOH + NaCl

Without spectators: HClO + CH3COO^- ===> CH₃COOH + ClO^-

Ka HClO = 3x10^-8

Kb CH3COO^- = 5.6x10^-10

In aqueous solution, hydrolysis of acetate (CH3COO^-) takes place to produce acetic acid (CH₃COOH) and OH^-. The Ka for CH₃COOH would thus be Kw/Ka = 1x10^-14/5.8x10^-10 ≈ 1.8x10^-5. This is a stronger acid (higher Ka) than hypochlorous acid, so the reaction would favor the reactants.