Assume that there is half as much sodium hydroxide as acetic acid in a solution. Write the equation for this reaction

Answer 1

Acetic acid = CH₃COOH

Sodium hydroxide = NaOH

CH₃COOH + NaOH ==> CH₃COONa + H₂O

This is the balanced equation for this reaction regardless of how much of each reactant is present. The fact the NaOH is 1/2 acetic acid doesn't change the equation. It will, however, change the ratio of product to reactant which becomes important if you are concerned about buffering capacity, as this solution forms a buffer.