Which gas is produced when a carboxylic acid reacts with carbonate?

Which gas is produced when a carboxylic acid reacts with carbonate?

• A. Carbon dioxide
• B. Oxygen
• C. Hydrogen
• D. Nitrogen

Answer: (A)

When a carboxylic acid reacts with a carbonate, a neutralization occurs that releases carbon dioxide gas. The carboxylic acid donates a proton to the carbonate, forming a salt, water, and carbon dioxide that escapes as bubbles. The overall idea is that carbonates react with acids to produce CO2 gas, so you’ll see effervescence as the gas is evolved. This CO2 can be tested by passing it through limewater, which turns milky. The other gases listed don’t come from this reaction: oxygen would come from oxidation, hydrogen from certain reactions with metals, and nitrogen from air or specific processes, not from the acid–carbonate neutralization.

When a carboxylic acid reacts with a carbonate, a neutralization occurs that releases carbon dioxide gas. The carboxylic acid donates a proton to the carbonate, forming a salt, water, and carbon dioxide that escapes as bubbles. The overall idea is that carbonates react with acids to produce CO2 gas, so you’ll see effervescence as the gas is evolved. This CO2 can be tested by passing it through limewater, which turns milky.

The other gases listed don’t come from this reaction: oxygen would come from oxidation, hydrogen from certain reactions with metals, and nitrogen from air or specific processes, not from the acid–carbonate neutralization.