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Multiple Choice
What is the correct name for the ionic compound NaC2H3O2?
A
Sodium carbonate
B
Sodium ethanoate
C
Sodium acetic acid
D
Sodium acetate
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the ions present in the compound NaC2H3O2. Sodium (Na) is a metal that forms a cation with a charge of +1, written as Na\^{+}.
Recognize the anion C2H3O2\^{-} as the acetate ion, which is the conjugate base of acetic acid (CH3COOH). This ion is also known as ethanoate.
Understand that ionic compounds are named by stating the cation name first followed by the anion name. Since Na\^{+} is sodium and C2H3O2\^{-} is acetate (or ethanoate), the compound is named sodium acetate or sodium ethanoate.
Note that 'sodium carbonate' is incorrect because carbonate is CO3\^{2-}, which is different from acetate. Also, 'sodium acetic acid' is incorrect because acetic acid is a molecular compound, not an ionic compound.
Conclude that the correct name for NaC2H3O2 is sodium acetate, reflecting the combination of sodium cations and acetate anions.