The aqueous solution of ` CH_3COONa ` is alkaline due to interaction of the following with water.

Options

A. `CH_3COO^(-)`
B. ` Na^(+)`
C. ` CH_3COONa ` as a whole
D. `NaOH`

Answer

To solve the question regarding why the aqueous solution of sodium acetate (CH₃COONa) is alkaline, we can break it down into several steps:

### Step 1: Understanding Sodium Acetate
Sodium acetate is a salt formed from the reaction of acetic acid (a weak acid) and sodium hydroxide (a strong base). When dissolved in water, it dissociates into its constituent ions:

\[ \text{CH}_3\text{COONa} \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\text{COO}^- + \text{Na}^+ \]

### Step 2: Hydrolysis of Acetate Ion
The acetate ion (CH₃COO⁻) can undergo hydrolysis in water. Hydrolysis is a reaction with water that can produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻), which are responsible for the basic nature of the solution. The hydrolysis reaction can be represented as:

\[ \text{CH}_3\text{COO}^- + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{CH}_3\text{COOH} + \text{OH}^- \]

### Step 3: Formation of Hydroxide Ions
In the above reaction, the acetate ion reacts with water to form acetic acid (CH₃COOH) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The presence of hydroxide ions in the solution increases the pH, making the solution alkaline.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Therefore, the alkalinity of the sodium acetate solution is due to the interaction of the acetate ion (CH₃COO⁻) with water, which produces hydroxide ions. This is why the correct answer to the question is that the aqueous solution of sodium acetate is alkaline due to the interaction of the acetate ion with water.

### Final Answer
The aqueous solution of CH₃COONa is alkaline due to the interaction of the acetate ion (CH₃COO⁻) with water.

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