An aqueous solution of `CH_3 COONa` is

Options

A. acidic
B. basic
C. amphoteric
D. either Acidic/Basic

Explanation

To determine the nature of an aqueous solution of sodium acetate (CH₃COONa), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Components of the Salt
Sodium acetate is a salt formed from the reaction of acetic acid (CH₃COOH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). When dissolved in water, it dissociates into its ions:
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{COONa} \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COO}^- + \text{Na}^+ \]

### Step 2: Identify the Nature of the Ions
- The acetate ion (CH₃COO⁻) is the conjugate base of acetic acid, which is a weak acid.
- The sodium ion (Na⁺) is a spectator ion and does not affect the acidity or basicity of the solution.

### Step 3: Analyze the Acetate Ion
The acetate ion can react with water in a hydrolysis reaction:
\[ \text{CH}_3\text{COO}^- + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{OH}^- \]

This reaction shows that the acetate ion can accept a proton (H⁺) from water, producing hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The presence of hydroxide ions indicates that the solution will be basic.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Since the hydrolysis of the acetate ion produces hydroxide ions, the aqueous solution of sodium acetate (CH₃COONa) is basic in nature.

### Final Answer
An aqueous solution of CH₃COONa is basic.

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