To identify the missing reactant [tex]\( X \)[/tex] in the reaction:
[tex]\[
NaOH + X \longrightarrow NaCH_3COO + H_2O
\][/tex]
we need to consider the chemical compounds involved.
1. Analysing the Products:
- Sodium acetate ([tex]\( NaCH_3COO \)[/tex]): This compound is commonly derived from a reaction involving acetic acid ([tex]\( CH_3COOH \)[/tex]).
- Water ([tex]\( H_2O \)[/tex]): This is a common byproduct in neutralization reactions.
2. Considering Possible Reactants:
- [tex]\( NH_4OH \)[/tex] (Ammonium hydroxide): This compound would react with sodium hydroxide ([tex]\( NaOH \)[/tex]), but it doesn't produce sodium acetate.
- [tex]\( H_3PO_4 \)[/tex] (Phosphoric acid): This would react to produce sodium phosphate, not sodium acetate.
- [tex]\( H_2CO_3 \)[/tex] (Carbonic acid): This would produce sodium carbonate, not sodium acetate.
- [tex]\( CH_3COOH \)[/tex] (Acetic acid): This is known to react with bases like sodium hydroxide to produce sodium acetate and water.
3. Matching the Reactant with the Product:
- To produce [tex]\( NaCH_3COO \)[/tex] (sodium acetate), the reactant must be acetic acid ([tex]\( CH_3COOH \)[/tex]).
- The balanced reaction is:
[tex]\[
NaOH + CH_3COOH \longrightarrow NaCH_3COO + H_2O
\][/tex]
From this analysis, it is clear that the reactant [tex]\( X \)[/tex] must be [tex]\( CH_3COOH \)[/tex] (acetic acid).
Thus, [tex]\( X \)[/tex] in the reaction is:
[tex]\[
\boxed{CH_3COOH}
\][/tex]
